What the papers say – November 3
Gavin Williamson’s appointment as Defence Secretary and the backlash facing Prime Minister Theresa May leads the nationals on Friday.
After Sir Michael Fallon dominated the news on Thursday, his replacement as Defence Secretary now takes the spotlight on Friday’s front pages.
Former chief whip Gavin Williamson was appointed to the role by Theresa May the day after Sir Michael stepped down amid sleaze allegations.
But his promotion provoked widespread surprise at Westminster, with the both the i and The Guardian saying the move was met with anger by some Tories.
The Guardian reports that backbenchers were disappointed that Mrs May didn’t use Sir Michael’s resignation as an opportunity for a wider reshuffle, with senior Tories reportedly saying it was “unbelievable, ludicrous and astonishing”.
Meanwhile, The Times says the Prime Minister has been warned she will not survive a renewed coup attempt after giving the job to her “close ally”.
The Daily Mirror claims parts of Moors murder victim Pauline Reade were “stashed by police for 30 years” without her family being aware, quoting her niece as saying she was “disgusted”.
And the Financial Times leads on yesterday’s announcement by the Bank of England to hike interest rates for the first time in more than 10 years, adding that more rises will be needed in future to control inflation.
