The Papers: 'Rivals circle Starmer' and bid to reopen Hormuz pushes region 'to the brink'

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'Rivals circle Starmer' and bid to reopen Hormuz pushes region 'to the brink' 13 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Several of the papers focus on Sir Keir Starmer's future, with the Times suggesting "disgruntled backbenchers" are plotting a "putsch", inspired by the move against Tony Blair by then Chancellor Gordon Brown in 2006. After this week's local elections, it reports MPs intend to send an open letter to Sir Keir asking that he set a time table for his resignation. Several cabinet ministers are aware of the plot, it reports.

Starmer has asserted in recent weeks that he intends the fight the next election. The i Paper says Sir Keir's political future is "hanging in the balance" as he faces a looming local election "bloodbath". "Starmer walks EU tightrope" reads the Metro's front page, which reports Sir Keir has risked a "Brexit backlash" in local elections over claims he is to pay £1bn a year for closer trading links with the European Union.

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The prime minister has avoided answering questions about the reported deal, the paper says, and instead told journalists that it was "in our national interest to be closer to Europe". Cabinet ministers have warned "mutinous Labour MPs" that any attempt to oust Sir Keir would unleash "chaos for the party" that would be difficult to overcome, according to the Guardian. The main story for the paper is a US bid to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for the hundreds of ships that remain trapped in the waterway - it reports that the move has brought the region back to the brink of full-scale war.

"Iran warns US not to enter Hormuz strait and launches drones at UAE" reads a headline on the front of the Financial Times, which says the ceasefire is under "renewed strain" amid warnings from Iran that it would attack US navy ships that attempt to enter the Strait of Hormuz. A photograph of cargo ships feature on the front of the Independent, paired with the caption "Tensions rise as Trump vows to free ships from Strait of Hormuz". The Telegraph reports that Metropolitan Police are trying to bring the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance to the UK to stand trial for her abduction and murder.

The paper notes that the German constitution prevents the extradition of its citizens to non-EU countries, which could provoke a "diplomatic and legal row". The Express carries a story related to how a November 2025 football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa was handled by West Midlands Police. It focuses on Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster.

The front page of the Mirror has been pegged as an "Election special", and leads with a 93-year-old woman who is urging people not to vote for Reform UK, as she believes the party sees the elderly as an "easy target". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has spoken to the Daily Mail, telling the paper that the UK needs crackdowns on welfare, asylum and low-level crime.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.