Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Rishi Sunak’s financial affairs continue to make headlines, with some of Monday’s papers leading with the latest developments.
Another lead story for Monday’s papers is the French election as centrist President Macron is set to face far-right Ms Le Pen.
The Queen’s comments about Covid and Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding are covered on the front pages of the tabloids.
……………………….
Rishi Sunak tax fallout
The Daily Telegraph reports Rishi Sunak is facing an investigation after writing to the PM asking for his ministerial declarations to be reviewed by the independent advisor on ministers’ interests. According to the paper, the chancellor said in his letter to the PM that his “overriding concern” was to retain public confidence.
For the i, the paper takes a look at the chances of Rishi Sunak becoming PM – the paper says all hope has now “evaporated”. The paper is reporting on predictions from the UK’s leading poll expert Sir John Curtice, who said Sunak will be ruled out of any leadership race in the near future. The paper reports Sunak’s allies have insisted he isn’t quitting politics, but some Tory MPs are concerned about the perception that some ministers are “out of touch” or obsessed with image.
French election
Many of Monday’s front pages report on the first round of the French presidential elections.
The Guardian calls the upcoming run-off between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen a “fight for France’s future”. The paper calls it a “brutal two-week battle” – Mr Macron has positioned himself as a pro- European “progressive” fighting against Le Pen’s “nationalistic programme” and “complacency” about Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
The paper notes both candidates scored higher than they did 5 years ago and Le Pen has gained ground after focusing on the cost of living crisis and inflation – the issues the paper says have become big concerns for voters.
The Times says the contest is “in the balance”, with the paper quoting one poll putting Ms Le Pen within the margin of error for victory.
The paper highlights the plight of the country’s traditional ruling parties – saying Republicans and Socialists have been humiliated by the result after attracting a combined total of less than 7 per cent of votes.
The paper’s leader says that Mr Macron’s status as a favourite is “good news for the world – but there is no room for complacency”.
The Daily Telegraph columnist, Tim Stanley, notes that the lack of surprise that Ms Le Pen’s electoral success now evokes is a clear sign that the French establishment is not fit for purpose.
Covid left the Queen ‘exhausted’
Many of the front pages make room for coverage of the Queen’s comments about contracting Covid.
“Covid leaves one very exhausted” is the Telegraph’s headline, after the monarch talked to staff at the Royal London Hospital, on a virtual tour to mark the opening of a new critical care unit.
The Daily Express says she praised the Dunkirk spirit shown by people in the UK during the pandemic.
The Queen says she was “very tired” while she had COVID-19 – that’s on the front of the Daily Mirror.
Metro has the Queen talking about her battle with COVID-19, as she praised Britain’s spirit during the pandemic.
The Sun reports on David Beckham’s wedding gift to his son Brooklyn.