Newspaper headlines: Tory election 'woes' and police probe 'Beergate'
- Published
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Tories had had a "tough" time in some parts of the country, but argued the election results had been "mixed" overall
The Daily Telegraph leads on, external Sinn Fein's strong showing in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, saying the party's expected victory will stoke what the paper says are "fears" over a united Ireland.
Indications the nationalists are on course to be the biggest party in Stormont could prove the most consequential result from Thursday's local elections, the paper concludes - and will spark renewed debate about a referendum on Irish unity.
It quotes the Conservative party chairman, Oliver Dowden, who says the UK government would "make the case" for the Union if it came to it, but stressed a vote would only take place if there was a "sustained majority" for a united Ireland.
There is widespread coverage of the local election results in England - and what they could mean for the prime minister's future. The i paper talks of, external Boris Johnson being "put on notice" after the loss of hundreds of council seats.
However, the Daily Express says, external Mr Johnson was emboldened by "Red Wall" voters remaining loyal. "Bullish Boris back on track" is its conclusion.
The Times says, external the Conservatives were "punished" in the south of England, prompting MPs in the party's heartlands there to voice doubts about Mr Johnson's continued leadership.
But the paper reports the prime minister was "buoyant" as he pointed to Labour's failure to make significant inroads in traditional Red Wall seats in the north of England.
In its leader column, the Times says, external the signs are the electorate is disillusioned with Mr Johnson's behaviour - but less than thrilled by the prospect of a Labour government.
The Guardian notes, external that large parts of England outside London failed to turn for Labour,and says the party must rebuild its core vote.
"Slippery Starmer in Crisis" is how the Daily Mail covers, external the news that police will investigate whether the Labour leader broke Covid rules when he drank beer with staff having a Indian takeaway in an MP's office during lockdown. A humiliating probe, the paper jibes, after he had "piously" demanded Mr Johnson's head.
The i says, external the police decision has put Sir Keir in a "precarious position".
Speaking to reporters after Durham police announced a fresh probe into "Beergate", Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was confident he hadn't broken any Covid rules
"Snubbed" is how the Daily Mirror reports, external news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Prince Andrew will be absent from the Royal balcony for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June, because of their status as non-working royals.
The Times calls them, external the "troublesome trio". The Daily Telegraph says, external Prince Harry, Megan and their children will be invited to other Royal jubilee events and could attend the service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.
Finally, the Sun, external carries the tale of a greedy boxer dog called Ben who was left feeling "below par" after swallowing 16 golf balls. The hound - who lives next to a golf course in Merseyside - was finally taken to a vet, who operated to remove the balls.
The paper says the dog has made a full recovery and is now "out of the ruff".
THE CRIMES OF VICTORIAN WOMEN: Lucy Worsley investigates the lady killers of Victorian Britain
THE MAN WHO FAKED HIS OWN DEATH: John Darwin pretended to disappear at sea in a canoe, whilst his wife played the grieving widow...
