What the papers say: Sunday's front pages

Reported disquiet within Fine Gael over Leo Varadkar's leadership is one of the main topics on Sunday's front pages.

The Sunday Independent reports Sipo has decided not to investigate Damien English. Meanwhile, another front page story reads 'We need to talk about Leo', as it suggests the Taoiseach may be 'losing his grip' on Fine Gael.

The Business Post leads with a story on the HSE's bid to win medics over on the subject of seven-day rostering. A story on Leo Varadkar's leadership of Fine Gael also makes the front page.

The Irish Mail on Sunday leads with a story on a senior HSE figure who has quite over a €2 billion 'hole' in finances.

- HSE board member quits over €2bn deficit ‘hidden’ in health plan
- Animal welfare inspector ordered to close puppy farm operation
- Lawyers mop up ‘slop out’ bonanza
And lots more … pic.twitter.com/GYUWYHvFWB

Advertisement
— Irish Mail on Sunday (@IrishMailSunday) June 10, 2023

The fallout from Boris Johnson’s resignation as an MP leads Sunday’s UK newspapers as they start looking at what happens next.

While some focus on the impact on his decision with by-elections and beyond to a general election, other titles concentrate on the turmoil in the Conservative Party.

The Sunday Mirror’s message is simple, as it concentrates on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s call for UK prime minister Rishi Sunak to “get a backbone: and call a general election”.

Sunday's front page: General election now https://t.co/s5aLDpyuDu pic.twitter.com/iT9lONdeRf

— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) June 10, 2023

The Sunday Express is one of several titles to predict Mr Johnson will be back, but says Mr Sunak has been warned of an “electoral slaughter” as Nigel Adams’ resignation means they are now facing three by-elections.

Tomorrow's front page: As third MP resigns, Tories warned they are heading for... ‘electoral slaughter’ #tomorrowspaperstoday https://t.co/mmTB5WsgT8 pic.twitter.com/zOsrcYausq

— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 10, 2023

Sunday People has a simple message from Mr Johnson on its front pages, saying “I’ll be back”, with the possibility of him standing in long-time ally Nadine Dorries’ former seat after her resignation.

PEOPLE: Boris: I’ll be back #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/SbC26pLwLN

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 10, 2023

The fallout from Mr Adams’ resignation as MP for Selby and Ainsty leads The Independent which says the Tories are “in turmoil”.

INDEPENDENT: Tories in turmoil #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/FMFf7JUNQR

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 10, 2023

And The Sunday Telegraph says the resignations are part of “a co-ordinated attack on Rishi Sunak’s administration” with more departures on the cards.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Johnson orchestrates attack on PM over ‘swindle’ #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/zlzp04h0CI

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 10, 2023

But The Times says any “Tory mutiny” is waning with backing for the former prime minister evaporating. It also says he is “unlikely to seek a new seat”.

SUNDAY TIMES; Allies abandon Johnson as Tory mutiny falls flat #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/PBGKGGCFC9

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 10, 2023

That view is echoed in The Observer which says MPs have told Mr Sunak that his predecessor must not be allowed to stand again.

Sunday's Observer: Furious Tories turn against Johnson after 'bias' outburst #TomorrowsPapersToday #Observer pic.twitter.com/h7tpYWOafR

— Tomorrows Papers Today (@TmorrowsPapers) June 10, 2023

The Mail on Sunday sums up the affair with the simple message “It’s war”, as it describes a “duel for the soul” of the party.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: It!’s War! Duel for soul of the Tories #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/3f6UrDDyea

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) June 10, 2023

The only newspaper to steer away from Mr Johnson is the Daily Star Sunday, which instead concentrates on Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler having an encounter with the Devil.