Sir Keir Faces Critical Week Amid Calls for Andrew to Testify on Epstein Case

Sunday papers highlight Sir Keir Starmer's political struggles, calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify on Epstein, Red Arrows jet debate, and controversy in I'm a Celebrity final.

Sir Keir Starmer Faces Political Challenges

Several Sunday newspapers focus on Sir Keir Starmer, with their editions printed before the shooting near the White House was reported.

The Sunday Times features an interview with the Prime Minister, highlighting his commitment to fight and win the next general election. The paper describes Sir Keir as "defiant," despite Labour anticipating significant losses in upcoming elections next month. Additionally, the paper reports that allies of Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, continue efforts to secure him a return to Parliament, potentially setting the stage for a leadership challenge.

The headline on the front page of the Daily Mail reads: “Rayner: It's now or never to kick out Keir”. — Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has told Labour MPs that the time to oust Sir Keir is "now or never", according to the Daily Mail. It writes that the prime minister is facing a "critical week in his fight for political survival".

The Mail on Sunday reports that former deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is the leading candidate to succeed Sir Keir if he is removed from leadership. The front page states Rayner has told Labour backbenchers that now is the time to remove him from Number 10. However, a source close to her has described this report as "obviously untrue." The paper emphasizes that the Prime Minister faces a critical week in his political survival battle, with the headline reading:

"It's now or never to kick out Keir"

Allegations of Ministerial Code Breach

The Sunday Telegraph leads with allegations that Sir Keir breached the ministerial code by failing to disclose a meeting with a US-based technology firm early last year. Downing Street denies that the gathering constituted a meeting, arguing it did not require declaration. However, officials from the Ministry of Defence, who also attended, described it as a meeting. The paper notes that breaking the ministerial code is widely regarded as a resignation offense.

The headline on the front page of the Sunday Telegraph reads: “PM's failure to disclose US meeting 'broke code of conduct'”. — The Sunday Telegraph leads with reports that Sir Keir did not record a meeting he had with tech firm Palantir and Lord Mandelson in 2025, despite a requirement for details of all meetings with external organisations to be published quarterly. The paper notes that breaking the ministerial code is "widely seen as a resignation offence". A government spokesman said ministers "engage with a range of companies as part of their international travel and Palantir is a longstanding investor in the UK", while Palantir said the meeting was "a typical government visit to a UK employer, organised by officials in the usual way".

Pressure on King Charles to Order Andrew's Testimony

The Sunday Mirror reports increasing pressure on King Charles III to instruct his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, to provide evidence to US authorities investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Campaigners have urged the King to tell his brother to "speak up." Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes. The King's state visit to the United States is scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Ad (970x250)

Ad (425x293)

The headline on the front page of the Mirror reads: “Order Andrew to give evidence”. — "Order Andrew to give evidence" declares the Mirror, reporting on mounting pressure for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to give sworn testimony to US investigators over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The paper says that campaigners are calling on King Charles III to order his brother to give evidence, ahead of his state visit to the US next week. The former prince has always denied wrongdoing.

Red Arrows Jet Controversy

The Sunday Express covers a dispute regarding the aircraft the Red Arrows display team should operate. Nine former pilots have united to demand that the jets remain British-made, following reports that foreign aircraft might replace them. Andy Wyatt, one of the former pilots, is quoted saying:

"We always represented the very best of British"

The headline on the front page of the Sunday Express reads: “Red arrows jets 'must be British'”. — Nine former Red Arrows pilots have joined forces to demand the "iconic display team" continue to fly British planes, according the Sunday Express. The story follows a previous report from the paper which said a non-UK jet was being considered for the first time, due to government delays in selecting a replacement.

I'm a Celebrity Final Sparks Controversy

The Sun on Sunday focuses on the chaotic live final of "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" where arguments erupted among contestants. Former footballer Jimmy Bullard accused the show's presenters, Ant and Dec, of orchestrating "a stitch up" after footage of his dispute with the eventual winner, Adam Thomas, was edited out.

The headline on the front page of the Sun on Sunday reads: “Pack of vultures”. — The final episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! is the main story for the Sun, which says footballer Jimmy Bullard is accusing hosts Ant and Dec of "stitching him up" when actor Adam Thomas' tirade was left out of the final edit of the series.

The Daily Star also features the heated final, describing it as having "descended into chaos" following clashes between contestants and hosts. The front page shows a picture of Bullard with Ant and Dec, noting that the presenters were surrounded by security personnel. The headline reads: