Newspaper headlines: Tories tell PM to 'go now' and 'abortion banned in US'

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By BBC News
Staff
Reuters

A cabinet source tells the Daily Mail that Oliver Dowden "jumped before he was pushed" after he resigned following two Tory by-election losses

The Daily Telegraph leads on what it calls a "plot" by Tory rebels to unseat Boris Johnson, with a rule change that would allow Conservative MPs a second vote on the prime minister's leadership.

A Tory MP tells the i that Mr Johnson's days are numbered. Sources suggest the head of the 1922 committee of Conservative backbenchers may urge him to go, if more MPs send in letters calling for a vote.

The online-only Independent suggests his support is "ebbing away" but the Daily Express insists his key allies in the cabinet remain loyal.

The Daily Mail reports that the Conservative whips have vowed to block the rebels by getting supporters of the PM onto the 1922 committee executive.

The Times says on its front page that an unnamed cabinet minister suggested Oliver Dowden had resigned as party co-chairman to help the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, run for the top job.

A cabinet source tells the Daily Mail that Mr Dowden jumped before he was pushed. Writing in the i, Katy Balls from the Spectator suggests his departure makes the situation "untenable". The Guardian says he could be a "formidable opponent".

The Telegraph suggests Priti Patel could become the new party chairman, while the Sun says Matt Hancock may make a return to the cabinet.

The Daily Mirror calls on the prime minister simply to "go now," saying in its editorial that the by-election results show his "unfitness" for office. The Times urges the party to rediscover its ideological purpose; the Telegraph calls on it to help make voters richer and happier.

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The Financial Times warns that the loss of constitutional abortion rights in the US has raised fears that other rights could be "in peril", including contraception and same-sex marriage.

The i says the ruling will "transform America and deepen its divides."

As a third rail strike gets under way in Britain, the i says the government has spent £4m on replacement buses - in case the action continues and hits the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Nineteen coach companies have been asked to provide backup transport.

Both the Times and the Telegraph report that vicars are calling on the Church of England to scrap fees for weddings held in their churches, to encourage couples to get married. It currently costs more than £500. The proposal is being put to the General Synod next month.

The Sun speaks to a footballer who is playing for England at the age of 80. Rex Buttle, who thought he would never kick a ball again after a back injury in 1959, is playing for England's over-75s walking football team. He tells the paper he couldn't be prouder.

And the Mirror celebrates a charity shop worker who walks 20 minutes a day to help out, at the age of 100.