PM's 'big gamble' and 'things can only get wetter'

Thursday's papers, no matter their political leanings, have honed in on one word to describe Rishi Sunak's announcement - "gamble".

The Daily Telegraph says "Sunak gambles on snap poll", while the Guardian and i's headlines read: "Sunak's big gamble" and "Sunak gambles" respectively. The Times features a similar assessment. Its front page declares: "Sunak bets the house".

The Daily Express focuses on the prime minister's message with the headline "I am fighting for our nation's future". On a double page spread, the paper goes on to ask whether the snap election is a "masterstroke" by Mr Sunak, or "a gift to Labour".

Both the Daily Mail and the Sun have pointed out that the country will go to the polls just one day before the first Euro 2024 quarter-final. "Oh ballots" reads the Sun's headline. The paper says just when we were looking forward to the Euros, Taylor Swift, Wimbledon and the sunshine, Rishi calls an election.

The prime minister announced the election in the rain outside No 10

Metro features pictures of the Conservative and Labour leaders. "Stick with our plan" reads the caption next to Mr Sunak. "Call for change" is next to Sir Keir Starmer. The i's front page describes 4 July as "judgement day", saying that either Tory rule will end, or Labour will suffer one of the biggest shocks in UK political history.

"Drown and out" is the Daily Mirror's main headline, which shows a picture of a rain-soaked and sombre-looking Mr Sunak during his speech outside No 10. City AM picks up on the weather in its headline: "Drowning Street".

The Daily Mail talks of an "oh-so British rain-soaked speech". Its front page features a cartoon depicting a fundraiser going door to door, saying "we're raising money to buy the prime minister a raincoat".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the election was an "opportunity for change"

A number of the papers touch on the shock felt across Westminster following the announcement, with the Times saying Conservative MPs were "blindsided". Cabinet ministers Esther McVey and Chris Heaton-Harris are mentioned frequently - they are both reported to have said a July election is a bad idea.

The Daily Mail says one senior Tory has branded the move "suicidal". The Financial Times has an unnamed former Conservative minister describing Mr Sunak's decision as "bonkers", adding none of his colleagues are ready for an election campaign. The Guardian says some MPs are considering letters of no confidence in the prime minister.

Away from the election, former Post Office boss Paula Vennells' appearance at the inquiry into the Horizon scandal features heavily. Many of the papers focus on her tears as she gave evidence. "Crying shame" says the Sun, while the Times simply reads "Vennells in tears". The Daily Star's front page mocks up a post-box into a character from the children's book series Mr Men with Ms Vennells' face on it and the headline "Little Miss Twaddle".

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