Editorial 14.01.25
Tuesday’s front pages are heavily dominated by speculation over the future of the chancellor as well as the latest news from the economy.
Images of Kiena Dawes – the young woman who ended her own life after suffering abuse at the hands of her partner – make many of the splashes this morning. Her ex-partner, Ryan Wellings, was cleared of manslaughter (but found guilty of assault and prolonged domestic violence). Her mother’s anguish leads several of the tabloids, as her family believe the abuse Kiena suffered drove her to suicide.
Several newspapers warn British people who own homes in Spain (but don’t live there) could soon be facing taxes of up to 100% as part of plans being proposed in Spain to help tackle the country’s housing shortage.
The back pages are made up of Premier League gossip and the latest from the Australian Open.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Government Criticism
‘Labour backbencher says PM should consider sacking her,’ reports the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph leads with an image of Chancellor Rachel Reeves and reports on criticism of her handling of the economy. The falling pound and rising government borrowing costs have sparked controversy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to confirm if Reeves will remain in her role next year but later reaffirmed his support. The paper goes on to quote an unnamed Labour backbencher saying the prime minister should consider sacking her if the situation doesn’t improve in the next few months.
‘Reform UK soaring in polls as PM confirms Reeves will remain in post,’ The Times says.
The Times picked up on the prime minister’s refusal to confirm the chancellor would be staying in her post for the duration of this parliament during a news conference yesterday. The paper says the confirmation came from his spokesman “a few hours later.” The headline also notes that Reform UK are ‘soaring in the polls’.
‘Treasury in turmoil as PM struggles to contain the situation,’ notes the Mail.
The Daily Mail notes the Treasury is described as being in “turmoil,” and suggests the prime minister is struggling to contain the situation. The paper notes Reeves and her deputy, Tulip Siddiq have been labelled “two lame ducks” by the Conservatives. Siddiq faces additional scrutiny over links to a political movement in Bangladesh but insists she has “done nothing wrong.”
‘Should we be popping out for another lettuce?,” asks the Daily Star.
The Daily Star revisits its 2022 “lettuce” joke, questioning Reeves’ longevity in office and speculating on political instability within the government. “Should we be popping out for another lettuce?”, asks its front page.
‘PM unlikely to ditch the chancellor,’ according to the i newspaper’s opinion piece.
The i’s opinion piece argues that the prime minister is “unlikely” to ditch the chancellor because “there is no politician with whom this premier’s fortunes have been more intertwined”. The paper says if the PM does replace her he would need to decide what the alternative economic strategy would be.
Public Spending Cuts and Economic Challenges
‘Ruthless public spending cuts on the way,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian reports that “ruthless” public spending cuts may be implemented as the government seeks significant savings. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones is expected to address potential “sweeping changes to public services” in an upcoming speech.
‘Disastrous consequences if public spending reductions continue,’ says the i.
The i adds that benefits spending may also face cuts, though campaigners warn of “disastrous consequences” if public spending reductions continue.
The Daily Express leads with a farmer addressing the inheritance tax relief for farms.
The Daily Express focuses on the distress of a dairy farmer affected by a government decision to limit inheritance tax relief for farms to £1m. The farmer argues this policy endangers his family’s future and calls for a reversal.
Political Polling and Reform UK Surge
‘Reform nearly tied with Labour in latest YouGov poll,’ says The Times.
The Times highlights new polling data from YouGov, which places Reform UK nearly tied with Labour, pushing the Conservatives into third place. This reflects a significant collapse in Labour’s voter share, according to the paper.
Domestic Violence Trial and Verdict
‘Ryan Wellings convicted of abuse but acquitted of manslaughter,’ says the Metro.
The Metro covers the verdict in the trial of Ryan Wellings who the paper labelled an “innocent monster” after being convicted of prolonged domestic abuse but acquitted of manslaughter. His partner, Kiena Dawes, left a note before her death, blaming Wellings.
‘Dawe’s mother says sorry to her daughter after abuser gets away with manslaughter charge,’ reports the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror focuses on the emotional response from Kiena Dawes’s mother, Angela, who expressed anguish at the verdict and said, “I’m sorry your voice has not been fully heard.”