Editorial 07.10.24
Monday’s front pages are dominated by two stories.
Tributes are paid to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, in which 1,189 people were killed, including 815 civilians and 251 people taken hostage.
But many of the newspapers are leading on domestic politics, as chief of staff Sue Gray has quit her role – and will take up a new role in Starmer’s government. It comes following sleaze scandals following the new government – and conversations around Sue Gray’s pay.
‘Sue Gray quits’
‘PM attempting to restore order,’ claims the Financial Times.
The FT says PM Keir Starmer has conducted a “shake-up” of his “misfiring” team after Sue Gray quit her role as his chief of staff – just three months into her role. The paper says her departure came as the PM attempted to “restore order” following weeks of internal criticism and a “power struggle.”
‘Gray and McSweeney’s battle was toxic,’ suggests the i.
The i says Gray’s replacement – Morgan McSweeney – has been ushered in as the prime minister tries to “quell accusations” that his government is “stalling.” The paper says Gray left her role following a “toxic” battle with McSweeney. But a senior cabinet minister is quoted by the paper saying there was “no misogyny” involved.
‘Gray was ousted by knife-wielding PM,’ is the Telegraph’s take.
The Daily Telegraph suggests Gray was “ousted”. The paper says PM Starmer moved Gray to the role of envoy to the regions and nations, where she will not report directly to him – and she’ll take a pay cut – a move that is “pretty extraordinary,” according to a former Tory adviser. The paper labels it as the PM wielding the knife.
‘Gray was victim of coup,’ suggests The Times.
The Times also says Gray was “ousted” with an ally of hers saying she was the victim of a “coup” orchestrated by her replacement Morgan McSweeney’s supporters.
‘Gray’s sudden exit highlights chaos within the government,’ says the Metro.
The Metro says Gray’s “sudden exit” has generated “accusations of chaos and crisis” within Sir Keir’s administration.
‘Situation shows PM’s lack of judgement,’ according to one Tory hopeful speaking to the Mail.
The Sue Gray “farce” shows the prime minister’s “fatal lack of judgement,” Kemi Badenoch told the Daily Mail. Badenoch is in the race to become the next Tory leader.
The Sun says her stepping down was the “Taming of the Sue”.
‘Fresh start means govt can focus on restoring trust,’ is the Mirror’s editorial’s take.
The Daily Mirror’s editorial reports that with a “fresh start” the new government has a chance to “restore trust” and “deliver on its promises.”
‘Gray has fled a sinking ship,’ according to the Daily Express.
The Daily Express quotes a senior unnamed Tory speaking to the paper saying Gray has fled a “sinking ship”. The prime minister has been “plunged into a crisis”, the paper says, attributing Ms Gray’s departure to a “power battle”.
Away from reactions to the Sue Gray news, other domestic politics make the front page.
Another Tory leadership hopeful, James Cleverly, has seen an upswing in support according to a recent highlight.
The i points to polling conducted on its behalf by BMG research which suggests he’s the preferred candidate among both Tory voters and the wider public.
The Express points to a survey of hundreds of grassroots Tory members, conducted by the website Conservative Home – which claims Cleverly is now their second choice, behind Badenoch.
‘October 7 anniversary’
‘Mum pleads for daughter to be returned,’ according to the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror leads on the 7 October attack anniversary. The paper features Mandy Damari’s plea for the safe return of her daughter Emily, 28, who is the last hostage British still being held by Hamas. “We cannot let another day pass,” the paper says.
‘Israel remembers its victims and will be on high alert today,’ suggests The Guardian.
The Guardian says a year on, Israel “remembers its victims” and intensifies air strikes. The paper says the war Israel “launched in response” to Hamas has escalated on two fronts with a strike on Iran likely. Israel is today on “high alert” today to guard against potential attacks timed to coincide with the anniversary.
The Telegraph pictures Emily Damari – the last remaining British hostage.
The Daily Telegraph features an image of Emily Damari, 28, who was kidnapped by Hamas on 7 October last year and is still being detained.
Emily is also pictured at the top of the Daily Express as her mother pleads for her release.
The Times features an image of a crying woman at a memorial on the site of the Supernova Festival where Hamas killed hundreds of civilians and took hostages on 7 October 2023.
