With the Tory leadership contest now in full swing, the Sunday papers are awash with the possibilities, with early pitches from the Raab and Gove camps, as well as an interview with Nigel Farage.
The Sunday Times focuses on the prospect of a leadership rematch between Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, using the visual aide of Gove stroking a dog in presumed anticipation of setting it upon his rival. The headline is “Get Boris! Gove challenges his rival again.”
The environment secretary says he has a better track record and is more capable of delivering Brexit, the newspaper reports. “His entry into the race will revive memories of the psychodrama of 2016 when he was Johnson’s campaign chairman,” it says.
Tomorrow in The Sunday Times: Get Boris! Gove challenges his rival again. Plus: our investigation into child abuse on Snapchat. pic.twitter.com/vLmh2FMYQj
— The Sunday Times (@thesundaytimes) May 25, 2019
The Sunday Telegraph declares “the race is on” with its columnist Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab given the key headshot spaces, though the splash gives Gove the early coverage. It reports he is telling MPs he is the best bet to beat Jeremy Corbyn, that he can unite the Conservative party behind a vision and has a proven “grip” on government departments.
The front page of tomorrow's Sunday Telegraph: 'Gove: Back me to beat Corbyn' #tomorrowspaperstoday https://t.co/WaixguMXmR … pic.twitter.com/RsSrLCxz3J
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 25, 2019
The Mail on Sunday reflects on the bitter nature of the leadership race with the headline: “PM race turning toxic already.” It carries a piece by Dominic Raab on his intention to run but the newspaper gives the only picture slot to actor Keeley Hawes. Raab writes that he will demonstrate “unflinching resolve” to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal.
MAIL ON SUNDAY: PM race turning toxic already #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/bNTjU0qIZU
— Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) May 25, 2019
The Observer focuses on the campaign to stop Johnson, saying a group of moderate cabinet ministers is seeking to prevent his election and with it the prospect of a no deal. It reports there are “serious numbers” of party MPs who would be ready to vote down any Johnson government if it was taking them down such a path.
Tomorrow’s front page pic.twitter.com/jbuP59XegM
— The Observer (@ObserverUK) May 25, 2019
The Sunday Express carries a piece by Brexit party leader Nigel Farage in which he implores readers not to entrust Brexit to Johnson because of he has previously voted for Theresa May’s much-defeated deal. It describes the Farage attack as a “huge blow to Johnson as the race to be PM intensifies”.
SUNDAY EXPRESS: Farage: You can’t trust Boris over Brexit #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Z5z0Pb6f6F
— Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) May 25, 2019
