Today’s news summary – Paper Talk: Suella Braverman’s scathing attack
Many of Wednesday’s front pages cover, for a second day, the aftermath of Suella Braverman’s sacking. The former home secretary was given the boot by the PM after a controversial article she wrote in the Times sparked backlash and many called for her sacking. It had already been a week of controversy for Braverman who had, only days earlier, said homelessness was a lifestyle choice – causing widespread backlash.
Braverman’s scathing letter
In the wake of her sacking, Braverman released a scathing letter to Rishi Sunak.
The Times refers to it as a “blistering attack” on the PM, “accusing him of duplicity, weakness and a betrayal of the country over illegal migration”.
The Sun says “Suella goes out swinging”, while the Guardian calls her comments a “brutal parting shot”. The Daily Mirror says the Tory party has been “plunged” into another civil war after Braverman “savaged” Sunak. The i newspaper sums up with the headline “Revenge served hot”.
The Daily Telegraph reflects on how the government dealt with the letter, saying Downing Street publicly “dismissed” it by saying the PM believed in action not words. The Daily Mail says the PM tried to brush aside the bid to bring him down”. Whilst The Times points out that No 10 has “refrained” from criticising Ms Braverman directly.
In-fighting in the Conservative Party is a hot topic for the editorials. The Sun says it’s understandable that some MPs have reservations about the new-look cabinet. The paper argues that “if Tory plotters think the wisest course is letters of no confidence, the settling of scores against No 10 and even a new leader, they have lost their minds”. The Express says “This is not the time for indulgent internal conflict”.
Madeleine Grant writes in the Telegraph that “no one does internal rancour and venom quite like the Tory Party” but warns it could be a hobby for which they will “pay dearly” at the next election.
The i newspaper says David Cameron is likely to turn to George Osborne for advice in his new role of foreign secretary. The paper says the pair have kept in close contact.
David Cameron return – reaction
There are more reactions to David Cameron’s shock return to the Cabinet, after more than seven years out of politics.
The Times notes that Chinese state media has welcomed his appointment, quoting Global Times saying Cameron will “breathe new life into the China-UK relationship”.