Wednesday’s front pages are dominated by ariel photos of homes in east London that were damaged by a wildfire as most papers feature the record-breaking heatwave as their lead.

Heatwave UK: hottest day on record & London wildfires

“Hellfire” is the Sun’s headline. The paper describes Britain as a “tinderbox” – a phrase also used by the Times and the i. 

The Daily Mirror and the Daily Express say Britain was burning on “the hottest day in history.”  

The Guardian says the new record temperature – of 40.3C is a “wake u call”. The paper quotes the chief of science at the Met Office who says the country could see similar temperatures every three years if carbon emissions remain high. The paper adds there could be up to 1,000 excess deaths in the UK as a result of the heatwave. The Daily Express reports on the rise in sales of paddling pools, barbecue charcoal and ice cream at supermarkets. 

Conservative leadership race: Liz Truss is gaining ground on Penny Mourant

Away from the heatwave, the conservative leadership race continues. 

Both the Daily Telegraph and the Times say Liz Truss is gaining ground on Penny Mordaunt as the pair battle it out for the second place. 

The Times adds Kemi Badenoch has ignited a bidding war by refusing to endorse a candidate after she was knocked out. 

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Liz Truss promises a “government of all the talents.” The paper says that hints at cabinet jobs for Tories like Kemi Badenoch.

Allies of Truss have warned Rishi Sunak against “dirty backroom deals”, according to the Mail, who says Ms Truss supporters fear he might be trying to fix the result to ensure he faces Penny Mordaunt – polls suggest members would choose Liz Truss over Rishi Sunak. 

The Sun claims it has been told by a senior MP that some of Kemi Badenoch’s supporters will go to Rishi Sunak over Liz Truss, as even though they could be seen as her natural supporters, some thought Ms Truss was “weird, wooden and can’t win an election.”