Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Many of the papers use the word “gamble” to describe Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that he’ll resign if fined by Durham Police for breaching Covid rules.
Tuesday’s front pages are dominated by two stories: Keir Starmer’s announcement that he will quit if he is fined over Beergate and the Queen missing the state opening of Parliament – the first time in 59 years due to mobility issues.
The Guardian and the Times report that Labour has prepared evidence to show police that the gathering that is under investigation was a permitted work event.
The Guardian goes on to say the clear calculation behind his statement is that this makes him look bold and will win him praise for being decisive.
According to the Financial Times, Labour leader Starmer sought advice from senior figures within his party before he made the pledge and he remains confident that he didn’t break any rules.
The Daily Mail takes an entirely different approach. The paper accuses Starmer of ‘putting pressure on police’ who now know that their decisions could end Starmer’s leadership.
Similarly, the Sun describes the announcement from Starmer as a desperate and outrageous attempt to stong-arm police into clearing him.
But over at the Daily Mirror, they approach the story by contrasting Starmer’s move with the prime minister’s refusal to go after he was fined. The paper’s headline reads: “This is what honour looks like, Mr Johnson”.
The i says Starmer is gambling his career on being cleared, whilst also reporting Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner will also step down if she is issued with a fixed penalty notice for the same event.
Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen will miss the State Opening of Parliament is the lead for several papers.
The Sun’s front splash says it’s the first time in 59 years she has missed it as the paper says the monarch made the “shock” decision to pull out of the event due to mobility problems.
Whilst the Daily Telegraph notes it marks a significant shift in Prince Charles’s responsibilities as he’ll read the Queen’s Speech for the first time.