Post by Taxigirl on Nov 11, 2003 10:22:36 GMT
The Daily Telegraph sees the new slim-line shadow cabinet as Michael Howard's 'lean, mean fighting machine'.
It is a shadow cabinet with substance, the paper says, which will give the country a dozen recognisable first-team faces - while giving Mr Howard a close grip on his squad.
The Times sees a number of gambles, including appointing only one woman, and having two party chairmen.
"Michael Howard was chosen as a safe pair of hands," says The Times, "but inside him, we have learnt, beats the heart of a betting man."
The Guardian believes Mr Howard has made a big effort to show that the grown-ups are back in charge.
"He's proving to be a bold and creative leader," says the Independent, "Labour strategists are right to take him seriously."
Charles aid
The Daily Express begs to differ. "The new leader has served up an unappetising stew of warmed-up leftovers," it says.
"The true measure of Mr Howard will be how he manages his motley crew."
The Sun and the Telegraph come to the aid of the Prince of Wales, currently the focus of much media speculation about his private life.
The Sun says the whole country has been left bewildered and alarmed by the claims of one unfortunate, sad former royal servant.
It is time to leave the prince alone, the paper says.
It adds: "Charles may be blue-blooded, but he is also a red-blooded male - just ask Camilla."
Steel wars
A new education columnist in the Guardian takes the government to task over a number of issues, including the infamous remark by the former Number 10 communications director, Alastair Campbell, about "bog standard comprehensives".
She is Fiona Millar, Mr Campbell's partner and herself a former aide to Cherie Blair.
Ms Millar uses her new column to urge the government to abolish or radically reform league tables, and to launch a national debate on inequalities in secondary schools admissions procedures.
Some products from the United States are set to double in price, according to the Independent, which reports a growing transatlantic trade war.
The EU has been given permission by the World Trade Organisation to impose huge tariffs which will allow price increases of up to 100%.
The EU says duties will come into force in mid- December unless Washington drops duties on European steel imports.
The Sun is among papers to claim that the Countess of Wessex waited in agony for half an hour for an ambulance which never arrived because of a misunderstanding by the police.
The paper says her doctor rang ambulance headquarters to enquire about the delay, only to discover that the police had not called an ambulance.
Concorde memorabilia
The Daily Mail, which leads with the story, says the delay could have had shocking implications.
A spokesman for Surrey Police says they have since apologised to the royal couple.
Finally, collectors of transport memorabilia might be interested in an auction at Christie's in Paris, reported in the Guardian.
Air France's Concordes have been broken up and pieces are being sold to raise money for charity.
If you are on a tight budget you could go for an electronic cabin speed display unit, valued at about £20.
Those with a little more cash to spare might consider an entire Rolls Royce-Snecma Olympus 593 jet engine - a snip at between £50,000 and £100,000.