‘PM cornered’: how the papers covered Johnson’s horror day in Commons | Politics

The FT has a similar report, though it has totted up the embarrassments for the PM differently: “Johnson backed into corner as Commons delivers double blow” is its main headline, over two other points: “Rebels join opposition to pass anti-no-deal bill”; and “Prime minister’s election call rebuffed”, which the paper calls “a humbling double defeat”.

The i also has the “PM cornered after day of defeats in the Commons”. The paper reports comments from Johnson attacking Corbyn for being “‘chicken and frit’ for not facing voters”.

The Times says “Johnson blocked as MPs refuse early election call”. The paper says the PM suffered “another bruising day at Westminster” and “faces an increasingly desperate battle to force a general election”.

“He just can’t win,” says the Metro, featuring a photograph of a very cross Johnson.

The Mirror – never a fan of Johnson – labels him “Britain’s worst PM (since the last one)” – making it clear who they’re referring to with an inset photo of Theresa May. The paper reports Johnson became “the only PM ever to lose his first three Commons votes as MPs vetoed his risky no-deal strategy”.

Then we reach the papers that see today’s events as the fault of Jeremy Corbyn. The Telegraph lambasts the Labour leader, saying “‘Hypocrite’ Corbyn rejects election to break deadlock”, including Johnson’s comments that Corbyn was a “chicken”.

The Mail goes further, with a headline that says “Corbyn chickens out of an election”. “The Labour leader, who has repeatedly demanded a poll, said he would not support one until a law delaying Brexit yet again had passed through Parliament”.

The Sun’s picture editors have been working overtime, superimposing Corbyn’s head onto a chicken’s body, with the headline: “Is THIS the most dangerous chicken in Britain?” while asserting “Corbyn clucks up Brexit” and “PM lays into cowardly Jez”.

The Express calls Corbyn’s refusal to back the calls for an election “an extraordinary act of cowardice” and said Johnson “wants country to pressure Parliament into backing his demands: “Boris urges ‘people power’ to force election”.