The future of the “triple lock” protection for state pensions has been thrown into doubt after Jeremy Hunt refused to commit to keeping it, writes The Independent. 

Charities voiced alarm over the chancellor’s words, which stand in stark contrast to previous promises from Liz Truss and Mr Hunt’s predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng to keep the lock, which guarantees pensions will rise with the highest of inflation, earnings or 2.5 per cent, the paper adds. 

The front page also features an image of PM Truss and Chancellor Hunt – him looking bright-eyed and the PM looking weary.