Sunday Papers – Tories plot to topple Sunak amid dire polling
Many of the Sunday Papers look at politics in the UK, including reports that MPs are planning to topple Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as polling continues to be dire for the Tory party. Many Tory MPs are worried the Conservatives are facing their biggest-ever electoral defeat later this year, with a general election expected in the second half of 2024.
‘Rebels plan to oust Sunak’
According to The Sunday Telegraph there is “extraordinary infighting” within the Tory Party A Conservative MP suggests that PM Rishi Sunak may face pressure to step down before the next election, with some factions on the right favouring Penny Mordaunt as his replacement. However, the prime minister’s allies assert that right-wing MPs are using Mordaunt as a pawn to prompt a leadership contest among more moderate members.
The Sun on Sunday reports that rebels have devised plans for a closed-door meeting, likened to a “papal conclave,” where Tory MPs will deliberate until a new leader is selected.
Meanwhile, The Observer notes that Mordaunt seems unaware of the scheme and perceives it as a tactic by right-wing elements to undermine any future challenge she might pose, particularly following a potential election loss.
‘Dire polling and fears of Farage’
The Mail on Sunday provides insight into the grim outlook for the Conservatives, citing “bombshell private polling” suggesting they are on track for their most severe electoral defeat in history. It predicts Sir Keir Starmer could secure a majority of nearly 250 seats. Despite the uncertainty, the paper highlights a lack of prominent contenders for leadership, including Mordaunt, who lack the necessary public recognition to revitalise the party’s fortunes.
Besides internal strife, the Conservatives confront what the Sunday Express brands a “catastrophic” external threat. It suggests that Nigel Farage, former UKIP leader, is poised for a sensational return to the forefront of politics by leading Reform UK’s electoral charge, with the aim to oust Rishi Sunak. A senior Tory interviewed by the paper believes this move could be a “game-changer,” anticipating that the current trickle of Conservative votes to Reform UK could escalate into a flood.
However, the Mail on Sunday offers an alternative perspective, reporting that Farage might be in line for a significant role if Donald Trump secures re-election as US president, potentially as a UK envoy.
‘Labour prepares for office’
Meanwhile, The Observer sheds light on Labour’s preparations for assuming government responsibilities. Senior members of the shadow cabinet are said to have engaged in a series of informal gatherings with prominent civil servants and former ministers, reportedly including individuals like James Purnell, Patricia Hewitt, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s former chief scientific adviser.
‘First for Wales – and Europe’
In Welsh politics, Vaughan Gething, the incoming first minister of Wales, garners attention on several front pages. The Sunday Times heralds it as a “first for Wales – and Europe.” Conversely, the Sunday Telegraph contends that Gething has been handed a “poisoned chalice.” According to the Sunday Mirror, Gething faces a slew of challenges, encompassing economic woes, farmer protests, and soaring NHS waiting lists.
THE SUNDAY PAPERS – REVIEWED AND SUMMARISED
The Observer – Tories slam bonkers plot to topple Sunak as chaos mount
The Observer’s lead story reports that some in the Conservative Party are planning to oust Rishi Sunak as its leader.
It cites senior Tories who the paper says have rallied around the prime minister. Former cabinet ministers Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and David Davis have publicly denounced the idea as “mad” and “bonkers”.
In a separate story, the paper reports that a leading psychologist has accused Meta of “turning a blind eye” to Instagram posts that adversely affect young women and girls.
The Sunday Times – Russian missile threat to Shapps on Ukraine visit
The Sunday Times leads on claims UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had to abandon a trip to Ukraine after British intelligence warned that he could be the target of a Russian missile strike.
Elsewhere on the front page is an image of Vaughan Gething who is set to be Wales’ next first minister after narrowly winning the Welsh Labour leadership election with 51.7% of the vote. The paper notes he is to become Wales’ first black leader and marks it as a “first for Wales and Europe”.
The Sunday Telegraph – Mordaunt is ‘stalking horse for right-wing Tory rival’
The Sunday Telegraph reports on Penny Mordaunt reportedly being eyed up for Rishi Sunak’s leader role – but the paper cites allies of Ms Mordaunt who say the House of Commons Leader is being used to “lure” centrist MPs into backing a leadership contest.
Elsewhere, England rugby player Marcus Smith is pictured on the front page as the paper looks at the Six Nations match in Lyon which saw France secure the runner-up spot after a narrow 33-31 win over England.
The Sun on Sunday – Strictly stars in summit on Gio
The Sun on Sunday reports on a “new crisis” for Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice as the tabloid claims three ex-dance partners – Amanda Abbington, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore – have met to discuss their “difficult experiences” with him.
The paper also reports that a source said: “Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive. He believes he’s done nothing wrong, and simply wants to get the best out of his partners.” The BBC has declined to comment, the paper says.
Sunday Mirror – Gio breaks silence: I’m gutted Amanda left … I thought we’d win
Strictly’s Pernice has spoken to the Sunday Mirror about Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington’s exit from the show for the first time, saying: “It’s a shame because, in my opinion, she could have gone all the way.”
Abbington pulled out five weeks into the BBC competition citing “medical reasons”, and later went on to claim that she suffered PTSD after the show.
Sunday Express – Farage plots Sunak’s demise
The Sunday Express reports former UKIP leader Nigel Farage could have a major influence on this year’s general election outcome even if he doesn’t stand as a candidate.
The paper says the Tory party could face what it considers a “catastrophic” external threat – Farage.
A senior Tory tells the paper that would be “a game-changer” – predicting that the “trickle” of Conservative votes Reform is already taking “will turn into a flood.”
