Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

What the papers say – May 24

The first full day of election campaigning occupies the front of Friday’s newspapers.

Rachel Vickers-Price
Thursday 23 May 2024 23:52 EDT
What the papers say – May 24 (PA)
What the papers say – May 24 (PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Coverage of the first full day of the General Election campaign dominates the front pages of Friday’s newspapers.

The Daily Express and The Daily Telegraph both lead with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying Sir Keir Starmer could not stand to face him in a televised debate.

The Metro, Daily Mirror and the Financial Times all focus on a ‘faltering’ first day on the campaign trail for Mr Sunak.

A lack of time to pass the smoking ban as well as moves to help renters as time runs out in Parliament occupies the front of the i.

The Guardian is on similar ground as it say Mr Sunak began his campaign “by abandoning flagship policies”.

The Times leads on energy bills which it says will be the topic of the first big election battle between the opposing sides at Westminister.

Conservatives cutting green levies on fuel bills has taken the front page of the Daily Mail.

The Independent runs with the headline “It never rains, but it pours” as Reform UK announces it will field 630 candidates for for the election.

And the Daily Star leads with a piece on the “election ejection” as Brits aim to book holidays to flee the election “baloney”.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in