Several of Friday’s papers lead on a rivalry between Penny Mordaunt and opponent Liz Truss, two of the frontrunners in the Conservative leadership contest. The Scottish Daily Mail leads with the headline “Mordaunt under the microscope”. It highlights comments by former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost saying he would refuse to work under her if she wins, as he has “grave reservations” as to whether she is up to the job.
The Times Scotland reports that supporters of the foreign secretary have criticised Ms Mordaunt’s record as a minister, calling her “utterly incompetent”. Ms Truss has won the support of eliminated candidate Suella Braverman, it adds.
The Metro reports on claims by Nicola Sturgeon that the UK is “facing a shift to the right” regardless of which Tory member wins the leadership race. The paper reports that she said “Scotland would not elect any of them”.
The front page of the i focuses on the upcoming Tory leadership TV debates this weekend. A poll for the paper suggests Penny Mordaunt would also be favourite with the British public.
The Scottish Daily Express reports that figures on the right of the Conservative party are uniting behind Liz Truss. “Knives out for Penny! Not up to job, say rivals”, reads its headline.
The Daily Telegraph’s front page says Lord Frost is urging Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch to stand aside and back Liz Truss, to avoid a split among the right wing section of the party.
Nicola Sturgeon has said she would be open to compromising on her plans for a second independence referendum if the next prime minister comes to the negotiating table, according to The Scotsman. This comes after Ms Sturgeon launched the second in a series of papers aimed at making the fresh case for Scotland to leave the UK.
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The Herald reports that Ms Sturgeon has said whoever replaces Boris Johnson as prime minister would have no democratic endorsement from Scotland. It says she claims the UK government would “shift even further to the right” regardless of who becomes the next prime minister, which could lead to a “race to the bottom” on issues such as tax, cuts to public services, support for families and Brexit.
The National reports that Ms Sturgeon’s latest in a series of papers making the case for independence, argues that Scotland’s political institutions should be “respected, protected and strengthened”, highlighting that at present, the Westminster parliament could vote to “change the powers of the Scottish parliament or even abolish it, at any time”.
The biggest rail workers’ union has announced two further strikes this summer amid disputes over jobs, pay and conditions, reports the Edinburgh Evening News. The paper says members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 14 train operators will walk out on the 18 and 20 of August. It means ScotRail services are likely to be crippled on days during the Edinburgh festivals as signallers walk out.
Highland Council has made a second bid to secure funding to improve the roads along the west coast of the NC500, according to The Press and Journal. The paper reports that the council previously lost out on investment to fund road improvements. The £44 million project is also seeking investment in EV charging points, active travel and public transport across the NC500.
Glasgow Times leads with the story of a woman who tried to kill herself after suffering a miscarriage and failed pregnancy within months of each other. The paper says Laura Porter, 37, is setting up her own charity, Let’s Talk Fab, to offer a 24-hour telephone helpline, emotional support and retreats to help others coping with the loss of a baby and fertility struggles.
The Daily Record reports that Scots entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne and his wife had to flee from their Portuguese mansion as a wildfire ripped through the Algarve on Wednesday.
A Fife family is demanding answers as a new build home is being erected within touching distance of their house, says The Courier. The paper reports Niki and Mario Caira say the property is within touching distance of their bathroom and it robs them and their seven children of their privacy. The local authority insists the development meets planning criteria.
Alleged fugitive rape suspect Nicholas Rossi, 35, has been left with a black eye after being attacked in jail, according to The Scottish Sun. It says Mr Rossi was attacked at HMP Edinburgh as he fights extradition to the US.
Claims that migrant workers are being abused and coerced under an “alpha male” culture at sea, have been made against the Scottish fishing industry, according to the Evening Express. The paper says Mike Park, chief executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association, has urged complainants to provide proof and says the industry takes such accusations seriously.
A man has been found guilty of causing fear or alarm by suggestively rubbing his nipples outside a betting shop, says the Evening Telegraph.
The Daily Star of Scotland headlines on jokey remarks made by Masterchef’s John Torode that he is a werewolf. In an interview, the TV personality said he becomes more agitated during a full moon.
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