Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Tuesday’s front pages are dominated by the news of the new Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has become the UK’s latest PM after being the only candidate to reach the support of 100 Tory MPs.
He lost out on the top job over the summer contest to Liz Truss- who lasted in office for all of 44 days. But now, the former chancellor will be handed the keys to number 10 and many are hoping his economic knowledge and experience will help guide the country through these turbulent times.
The right-wing papers are hailing the victory and rightly celebrating the fact he’s the second youngest PM and the country’s first British Asian prime minister.
Whilst the left-wing papers acknowledge and praise the huge moment that Britain has its first British Asian PM – they are angry that yet another PM has been selected, and Rishi Sunak wasn’t voted in by Party members. Many left-wing papers are calling for a general election.
Across the papers, Sunak is seen as the best option in dealing with the current economic crisis. But there are questions over his own wealth – a reported billionaire – just how can Rishi Sunak understand the current cost of living crisis?
MPs must unite or die – Sunak
Most of the front pages pick up on Rishi Sunak’s comments that Tory MPs must “unite or die.”
The Times says Sunak’s “absolute focus” is bringing the party together again. The paper quotes sources close to him as saying it will be a tough road ahead and unless the party faces difficult decisions together, then they are finished.
The Guardian also reports on comments from Sunak’s allies, who claim that he will reach across the whole Tory party – in stark contrast to Liz Truss or Boris Johnson, the paper adds.
The pro-Tory Daily Express declares the incoming PM as the right man for the job, due to his intellectual calibre, grasp of policy and strength of character”. The paper was a staunch Liz Truss supporter during the summer leadership race. They describe his comeback, after losing to Truss, as “extraordinary.” The paper’s headline notes his appointment to the top job is “historic.”
The Daily Telegraph says the new PM was left “devastated” by the summer defeat to Liz Truss – but now he can implement his policy agenda.
“A new dawn for Britain” claims the Daily Mail’s front page. The paper says Sunak is determined to avoid the errors made by Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. The pro-Tory paper describes his journey to No10 as “remarkable” and “inspirational”.
The Sun strikes a similar tone saying Sunak experienced a “meteoric rise” and thanks to his “rigour and work ethic.” The paper uses a doctored image of the new PM holding a lightsabre – a reference to his love for Star Wars with the headline: “The force is with you, Rishi.”
Yet another unelected PM
The Daily Mirror’s front page asks “who voted for you?” and notes that yet another Tory MP is taking office without being officially elected. The paper claims the new PM is “clueless about ordinary people” and “intent on eye-watering cuts.”
The i reports that grassroots Tories are angry they didn’t get to vote in the new PM as Penny Mordaunt conceded moments before the deadline passed. One former Tory party member reportedly said it was an “outrageous coup.”
Who will be in Rishi Sunak’s cabinet?
The Times believes Jeremy Hunt will remain in his role as chancellor and that Suella Braverman, Dominic Raab and Oliver Dowden could be in for a top job.
The paper claims Penny Mordaunt will get a spot on the front-bench team – a belief that is supported by The i and The Guardian, who speculates she could become the foreign secretary.
The Telegraph claims Micheal Gove could get a top job and Grant Shapps might return to his previous transport job.