Major week of politics gets going

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Many papers are gearing up for a potentially momentous week in politics.

Senior Blairites have finally raised the white flag, says the Daily Mail, giving Gordon Brown a clear run into Downing Street.

The paper refers to a "signal" from Home Secretary John Reid that he will not run against the chancellor.

The Daily Telegraph says the "hasty scramble" by Labour's high command reveals panic about humiliation coming in Thursday's elections.

'Apocalyptic'

With Tony Blair putting the finishing touches to his resignation speech, reports the Guardian, a friend says he has a big regret.

Lord Falconer says the PM wishes he had been able to move more quickly to reform the country's public services.

The Independent considers Labour's chances in the Scottish elections.

There are moves to stop the SNP winning control but Labour's predictions about an independent Scotland are "absurdly apocalyptic", says the Financial Times.

'Have it all'

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has "stirred the row" about treating obese people in the NHS, declares the Mail.

It quotes her as saying banning surgery for the very overweight to replace problem joints is "legitimate".

Meanwhile the Times says the "have it all" generation of women has come and gone, saying thousands of nursery places are left unfilled.

More mothers are deciding to stay at home to care for their children rather than resume their careers, it says.

Rich

An investigation by the US Congress into reconstruction in Iraq is featured in the Guardian.

The paper says six out of eight projects the US claimed to be a success were falling apart, "throwing doubts over... much of the £15bn programme".

And the Daily Express reflects on the Sunday Times annual list of the country's richest people.

It notes that Express owner Richard Desmond is ranked 25th, with a fortune of nearly £2bn.