Sunak 'told to show vision' and Bernard Hill dies

Many of Monday’s papers look at the prime minister’s possible response, following a poor set of local election results. The Financial Times says Conservative MPs are telling Rishi Sunak he needs set out a broader “vision” of why Britain needs another five years of Tory rule.

The Telegraph says that Downing Street has shelved plans for an election this summer. The paper says Rishi Sunak is hoping that an improving economic picture and deportation flights to Rwanda can improve his re-election chances before a “widely expected” poll in the autumn.

The Guardian looks at Labour’s response to the local elections, and says the party is planning to target the south of England heavily at the next general election, after some “blue wall” seats turned red after Thursday’s poll. The paper’s front page also features Lord of the Rings actor Bernard Hill, who has died aged 79, on the front page.

“Only big tax cuts and growth can save the Tories now” is the headline emblazoned across the Express. Senior MPs are arguing that Conservative voters didn’t turn up at the local elections because they were “angry” that the government hadn’t been delivering, the paper says. But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, writing in the paper, says the next election is still “up for grabs” if the PM and the party fight for it.

The Times says Rishi Sunak has “seized” on a projection from an elections expert who suggested the local election results – if replicated at the general election – indicated Labour would fall short of an overall majority. The paper carries a picture of actor Bernard Hill from 1982’s Boys From The Blackstuff.

The Daily Mail says that “dozens of pro-Palestinian campaigners” have been elected as councillors following the local elections, with the tabloid saying the war in Gaza has “hit town halls across Britain”.

The i newspaper says homeowners face a longer wait for lower mortgages, with an interest rate cut unlikely before August, according to experts. The paper says it will be another blow to Rishi Sunak who is relying on a change of economic fortunes after the “poor” local election results.

The Mirror focusses on community tributes paid to Daniel Anjorin, the schoolboy fatally stabbed with a sword. “Although our hearts are heavy and the pain is deep, our faith is strong,” is the quote the paper carries from Pastor Tope Koleoso.

The Star carries some positive news about the weather. “Cor-phew!” is the headline, with the tabloid claiming it will be hotter than the Greek island this week… but only after another downpour.