Papers debate Tory crisis

Whenever a new Pope is chosen a plume of white smoke rises elegantly from some Vatican chimney.

But as Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail points out, when the Conservatives try to pick a new leader, it is as though someone has set off a stink bomb, sowing confusion and merry hell.

"We knew they couldn't decide who should win the leadership contest" - says the Mirror - "now we find out they can't even decide who should be last".

The Independent calls it an "amazing election", in which all five candidates lost. But some it seems more than others.

The Financial Times says the front-runner, Michael Portillo, appears to be losing the momentum he needs to gain victory.

While the Sun's political editor, Trevor Kavanagh, concludes that Kenneth Clarke's dream of winning is over, and more than two-thirds of Tory MPs would prefer anyone but Mr Portillo to take over the leadership.

As the Daily Telegraph puts it, the two big beasts of the Conservative Party have been humbled.

Crisis control

The Telegraph reports that Tony Blair has set up a powerful crisis management unit in the Cabinet Office to deal with national emergencies.

The paper says the move reflects the prime minister's frustration at the government's failure to bring recent crises such as the fuel protests, foot-and-mouth disease and the floods quickly under control.

Missile defence

Among other stories making the front-pages, the Times reports that world leaders attending the G-8 summit in Genoa this month are to be protected from a potential terrorist attack by ground-to-air missiles.

The Italian Defence Ministry has reportedly taken the precaution after being warned that Islamic suicide bombers might try to attack the conference in a small aircraft or helicopter.

Daring return

Dan Dare - the comic strip hero whose intergalactic adventures thrilled millions of British schoolboys in the 1950s - is about to make a comeback, according to the Times and the Daily Star.

But there are mixed reviews for the new-look Dan who will appear in a £14m animated television series.

Gone are his super-square jaw and crisp military uniform, which to the horror of the Times, has been replaced by a bomber jacket ... and pink trousers.

Fashion statement

Just as shocking to some is the Express's suggestion that a fashion accessory from the 1970s - the tank-top - is also making a comeback after modern-day icons such as David Beckham and Robbie Williams were photographed in one.

The paper's fashion editor comes up with the following advice for anyone who thinks they really must wear the sleeveless pullover. On no account wear one with a checked shirt, and never with a tie.

You will only end up looking like an office boy who still lives with his mother.

Pitch battle

Finally, the Independent and the Daily Star report that a part-time footballer is thinking of suing a referee for libel after being sent off in a Sunday League game.

Steven Edwards, from Bristol, was shown the red card in a local derby match between Fishponds and Park Rangers.

He claims his dismissal for allegedly using offensive language has tarnished his reputation as a firm but fair midfield player.