Newspaper headlines 'Boris may be toast' and fresh blow to Russian oil

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By BBC News
Staff
PA Media

Lord Geidt reportedly threatened to resign after raising a "legitimate question" about whether the PM broke the ministerial code

The Times says the prime minister's ethics adviser threatened to resign after raising what he called a "legitimate question" about whether Boris Johnson broke the ministerial code. It reports that Lord Geidt told Mr Johnson he would quit unless he "issued a public explanation about his conduct". The PM responded with a public letter, claiming that his Covid rule-breaking was "unwitting" - but a source has told the paper that, despite the assurances, Lord Geidt was "60/40" in favour of stepping down. The Cabinet Office has since denied Lord Geidt will be resigning.

The Metro claims Boris Johnson "may be toast", suggesting he could face a confidence vote as early as Tuesday - amid speculation that Conservative rebels are close to reaching the 54 letters required to trigger such a motion. The i quotes a senior Tory source who believes a vote is "imminent". According to the Guardian, Mr Johnson and his allies have "launched an emergency effort to lobby wavering Tory MPs". It says at least 44 of them have publicly questioned his fitness to hold office. But the Daily Mail says they are being warned by Mr Johnson's allies that they risk destroying the Conservative Party's chances of winning the next election.

The Daily Telegraph says Downing Street is putting together a plan to "stabilise" the prime minister's position. It says officials are considering bringing back regular press conferences - as were held during the pandemic - but with a focus on the country's finances. The paper says the government is being put on an "economic war footing" and the briefings would give ministers a chance to showcase what they're doing to tackle the rising cost of living.

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"Forgive Andrew" says the front page of the Mirror, which reports that the Archbishop of Canterbury has suggested to ITV News that the Duke of York should be "forgiven". The Telegraph also quotes the interview with Justin Welby, in which he says Prince Andrew is "seeking to make amends". In February, the prince agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual assault, allegations he has repeatedly denied. The archbishop has since clarified his comments, saying that he was not referring specifically to Prince Andrew when he commented that the world should be more forgiving.

Travel bosses face an "angry showdown" with the transport secretary, according to the Daily Express, over what it calls "holiday hell". Staff shortages have caused major disruption at airports over recent days. The Times says Grant Shapps has told aviation officials that the government has "done its part" by providing £8bn in support for the sector. But the paper says that industry figures want ministers to tweak employment rules, permitting them access to tax records, which they say will allow them to recruit staff more quickly.

The Yorkshire Post leads with Bradford being named UK City of Culture for 2025. It says more than 1,000 events will be held to celebrate Bradford's heritage, potentially bringing in an extra £700m of investment.

And the Sun says that the Queen had a "bumpy plane trip back to London" after lightning forced her jet to abort its landing upon arrival from Aberdeen. It reports that the aircraft circled over north London for 15 minutes before touching down at RAF Northolt. The paper describes the incident as "the landing of hope and glory".