Editorial 20 June 2024.
Thursday’s front pages feature a variety of topics – politics, is of course the focus. Several of the Conservative-supporting papers lead on the latest polling, which has suggested the Tories are on course for an electoral wipeout. Critics will say these papers are attempting to woo back disillusioned Tory voters by scaring them into voting Conservative otherwise expect an all-powerful Labour government.
Several left-leaning newspapers also lead with the new polling data – but point to the fact the right-wing Reform Party – led by Nigel Farage – is picking up those disillusioned Tory voters.
A few other politically charged stories also feature, with images of Just Stop Oil’s latest protest being the most popular this morning.
Images of England’s Jude Bellingham feature on many of the front pages, ahead of the Three Lion’s match against Denmark later today.
‘Polling suggests Tory wipeout’
The Daily Telegraph, citing its own opinion poll, headlines “Tory wipeout.” The paper says Rishi Sunak “is predicted to become the first sitting prime minister ever to lose their seat at a general election”. An analysis piece says “Kemi [Badenoch] is the future of the party – but no one else survives this catastrophe”.
The i newspaper says leads on the latest YouGov polling. “Tories despair as poll signals worst defeat in 200 years”. The paper says the Conservatives “could be reduced to 108 seats”, and that the party is losing support to Reform UK. The i adds that the 2028 general election “looks increasingly attractive to Boris Johnson”.
The Times also leads on the YouGov survey saying the Tories are “set to suffer worst poll defeat for 100 years”. The paper says Labour is predicted to have a majority of 200 and Lib Dems with pick up dozens of MPs.
The Mail suggests “3 polls raise fears of [Keir] Starmer supermajority”, referring to the Labour Party leader.
The Guardian’s front page reports Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves “pledges to close gender pay gap ‘once and for all’ if Labour wins”.
The FT leads with an image of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and the caption “Scarred by Truss. Hunt admits Tories still in recovery”. The paper s top story says “Sunak claims credit as inflation hits BoE [Bank of England] target for first time in 3 years”, adding that Labour believes “prices still too high”.
‘Just Stop Oil spray Stonehenge’
You won’t be surprised to see the traditional right-leaning newspapers leading with images of the latest Just Stop Oil protest – spraying orange powder on Stonehenge.
Those papers point towards a lawless Britain with politicians afraid to act.
The Times includes an image of the protesters and says experts fear the stones may be damaged.
The Daily Mail leads on the story asking “Is nothing sacred to the eco clowns?” The Daily Express follows suit and criticises the Just Stop Oil protesters, saying “Just lock them up!” The paper says their defacement of Stonehenge has “shown how pathetic they truly are”.
‘England face Denmark’
The Euros are featured on many front pages this morning, as England are set to face Denmark in their second match of the European Championship. England won their opening game, whilst Denmark drew.
The Mirror says “Kane the Danes” in reference to England’s forthcoming match against Denmark, and says “50,000 fans join Prince William in Germany to roar on Three Lions”.
The Star features images of Jude Bellingham. The Express asks Jude if he can ‘do it again?’ after he scored in England’s opening match.
The Sun reports on a man casting a summer solace spell to help England win in Germany.
The Guardian reports on Scotland’s 1-1 draw, keeping their Euros dreams alive. The i says they’ve given themselves a ‘fighting chance’ of making it out of the group stages.
Most of the back pages lead on England star Phil Foden, whose performance in the opening game left critics wondering if he should be benched for this fixture. The papers note England boss Gareth Southgate is backing the Manchester City star and it looks unlikely he’ll be dropped.
