The Papers: 'Starmer braced for exodus' and 'Giant of art'

The passing of celebrated artist David Hockney, aged 88, has captured the attention of numerous British newspapers. The Independent highlights an exclusive report that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is already considering potential cabinet appointments should he win the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Downing Street is reportedly bracing for ministerial resignations if Burnham secures the seat. In an interview with The Times, Burnham advocates for the UK to be pragmatic about reducing welfare spending to bolster defense, stating, "The world has changed." He urges the government to heed the concerns of former Defence Secretary John Healey, who recently resigned over a dispute concerning military expenditure. The Daily Telegraph reports that current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is positioning himself for the role of chancellor should Burnham ascend to the prime ministership. Labour sources indicate that Miliband and Burnham communicate regularly, with Miliband offering advice on reassuring bond markets. The i Weekend reports the return of Morgan McSweeney, former Chief of Staff to the prime minister, to advise Sir Keir Starmer just four months after his resignation over the Mandelson scandal. McSweeney, described as Sir Keir's "political brain," has rejoined as the prime minister faces a leadership challenge in the coming weeks. A Number 10 source has dismissed the i Weekend report as baseless. The Daily Mail's headline, "Minister missing in action," focuses on the new Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis, who maintained a low profile on his first day. The paper also notes that media were reportedly excluded from the opening of a drone factory they had previously been invited to. The Daily Express announces that a monument honoring D-Day heroes and approximately 50 miles of Normandy coastline will receive protections equivalent to those afforded to the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids. The Guardian's front page features Jonathan Jones's tribute to David Hockney, stating he "changed the world just by looking at it," with the headline simply reading: "David Hockney 1937-2026." Hockney's death is also noted on the Financial Times's front page, though the paper's lead story covers the "historic debut" of rocket company SpaceX, whose IPO has reportedly made CEO Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. The Daily Mirror reports that Lindsey Burrow, widow of the late rugby player Rob Burrow, has lauded her husband's friend Kevin Sinfield, who is set to be knighted in the King's Birthday Honours for raising £11 million to combat motor neurone disease. The Daily Star's headline proclaims "Our hero," expressing Lindsey Burrow's delight over Sinfield's knighthood. The Sun reports that Katie Price's husband, Lee Andrews, was released from a Dubai jail after a four-week detention over a "private civil matter," video-calling his wife shortly after his release.

“

The world has changed