What the papers say – February 21
Three MPs defecting from the Conservative party make headlines in Thursday’s papers after Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston joined The Independent Group.
The Times runs with the angle that David Cameron made an attempt to keep the trio within the Conservative Party, apparently asking Ms Soubry “Is it too late to persuade you to stay?”
The Times 21/2/2019MPs Joan Ryan, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston arrive at a news conference in London, following their resignations from Labour and Tory parties. Photo : Simon Dawson/Reuters#thetimes#tomorrowspaperstoday#reuters#independentgroup@thetimespic.twitter.com/NkpvY9XzGF
— The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) February 20, 2019
The Daily Telegraph claims the defectors have “pledged to destroy the Conservative Party”.
Thursday’s Daily TELEGRAPH: “Tory defectors march out with a vow to destroy the party” #bbcpapers#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/UqSMFtKARL
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 20, 2019
The Guardian says the “rebels” have “denounced the grip of hardliners”.
Thursday’s GUARDIAN: “Now the Tories split: rebels denounce grip of hardliners” #bbcpapers#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/dDxbbtdT9H
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 20, 2019
The Financial Times also carries a picture of the three MPs, while its main story focuses on concerns about Sainsbury’s takeover of Asda.
Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Thursday 21 February https://t.co/1U8k5qpAIKpic.twitter.com/sIuOamogJo
— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) February 20, 2019
The Metro leads on the defections, saying the trio was “upset by the rise of the right”.
Thursday's front page:'TORIES ARENOW BLUKIP'#tomorrowspaperstoday#bbcpapers#skypaperspic.twitter.com/8FtvkTzXX4
— Metro Newspaper UK (@MetroUKNews) February 20, 2019
The i carries the headline “Tories join the exodus”, and reports that Cabinet ministers are “privately supportive” of The Independent Group.
Thursday's front page: Cabinet ministers privately support exodus as 3 Tory MPs quit party #tomorrowspaperstoday#skypapers#bbcpaperspic.twitter.com/hMcveC8q5J
— i newspaper (@theipaper) February 20, 2019
The Independent leads on a rise in the number of Britons being stripped of their citizenship.
Tomorrow's @independent front page #tomorrowspaperstoday To subscribe to the Daily Edition https://t.co/koJc3LN1axpic.twitter.com/FSqi2ZgHEW
— Thair Shaikh (@ThairShaikh) February 20, 2019
The Daily Mirror calls the defections a “Brexodus” and says Prime Minister Theresa May is “braced for more”.
Thursday’s Daily MIRROR: “Brexodus” #bbcpapers#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/HT86ZaLoWe
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 20, 2019
The Sun says “Brexit haters” have quit the Tories, calling it a “turncoat crisis”.
Tomorrow's front page: Tories close to breaking point after Remainer MPs join Independent Group https://t.co/SdIl7Hnn8fpic.twitter.com/j6rQ35NcfK
— The Sun (@TheSun) February 20, 2019
The Daily Mail runs with the claim from the three MPs that the Conservative Party has been taken over from “top to toe” by Brexit extremists.
Thursday’s Daily MAIL: “I Want To Kill Off Tory Party” #bbcpapers#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/SJkgyAYT9B
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 20, 2019
The Daily Express contrasts the picture of the three MPs smiling with the headline “No laughing matter”.
Thursday’s Daily EXPRESS: “No Laughing Matter” #bbcpapers#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/HwUUvwmVoB
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 20, 2019
And the Daily Star carries comments from Caroline Flack about her appearance.
Thursday’s Daily STAR: “Flack: I’m Proud To Be A Cougar” #bbcpapers#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/uSyUvOyBQQ
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 20, 2019