Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Monday’s front pages are leading on the presumption that Liz Truss will become the country’s next prime minister – expected to be announced at 12:30 BST.
Liz Truss set to become next PM
The Daily Telegraph and the Times say Liz Truss is already considering freezing energy bills, as one of her first moves when she becomes the prime minister.
The Telegraph leads with campaign sources and energy company insiders who say a freeze, in some form, is expected to avoid an energy “armageddon.”
The Times reports Truss is planning to announce a support package for energy costs that will “rival furlough.” Those lined up for roles in a Truss cabinet have been told not to scorn the idea that energy bills could be frozen to help deal with the cost of living crisis.
The Daily Express says Liz Truss’ “aid package” could be worth £100bn. The paper reports that a plan to support people and businesses will be unveiled within a week of her taking office.
Kwasi Kwarteng tipped to be the next chancellor, has launched a “pre-emptive bid to reassure markets,” according to the Financial Times. The paper says Ms Truss will not “blow a hole” in public finances. The comments read as an apparent swipe at Tory leadership rival Rishi Sunak.
The i newspaper calls Liz Truss the “PM-in-waiting” and says it has been told by a former Cabinet minister that Truss is planning to rein in public spending to pay for extra support. The paper says a source claims that tax cuts for top earners are on the way.
Whilst the Guardian says the next PM is likely to press ahead with plans for the UK to be a low-tax economy with less focus on wealth redistribution.
