Papers ponder IDS 'plots'

Even the Tory whips have gone into "do not resuscitate" mode over the political future of their leader, according to one newspaper on Friday.

The rumours and plotting against Iain Duncan Smith will break out into open mutiny next week - according to several papers.

The Daily Mirror believes Monday will be "make or break" when Tory MPs return to Westminster after canvassing their constituencies.

The Daily Mail reports that Tory plotters have vowed to deliver a "killer blow" to Mr Duncan Smith by gathering the required 25 names of MPs to trigger a vote of confidence.

Its hard-hitting leader says the Tories are paralysed by their own stupidity, selfishness and endemic disloyalty.

The Guardian reports that even Tory whips are now backing the idea of a confidence vote. The paper says some backbenchers believe that the Whip's office has gone into "do not resuscitate mode" over their leader's plight.

But the Financial Times believes that for many Tory MPs fed up with IDS, Michael Howard could be a contender to replace him.

He and the former Chancellor, Ken Clarke, are among those seen as the runners and riders if a leadership contest is held.

Galloway grilled

There is little sympathy for the MP, George Galloway, a day after he was expelled from the Labour Party over reports that he urged Arab armies to attack British troops in Iraq.

The Daily Mirror says he has only himself to blame, while the Sun calls him "a sickening creep" who shamed Britain by toadying up to Saddam Hussein.

The Times reports that the Archbishop of Canterbury will be granted sweeping new powers under secret proposals to force rebel Anglican churches into line.

The paper says the proposals have already aroused suspicions that the Archbishop could be turned into an Anglican version of the Pope.

The Daily Express claims the government is planning to put up stamp duty in next year's budget to raise hundreds of millions of pounds of extra revenue, which it describes as a "betrayal" of homeowners.

The Independent leads with a report that scientists have discovered 500 new species of fish since the start of a big survey of oceans three years ago.

Several papers report the case of a 12-year-old boy who collapsed with hypothermia after waiting for more than an hour for a bus to take him to school.

The Mail says accident claim companies are being allowed to tout for business in NHS emergency wards. When claims are successful, the hospital receives a payment towards the cost of treatment.

Concorde finale

There will be cheers - and there will be tears, predicts the Mail in its souvenir edition to mark the last day of commercial flights by Concorde.

The Daily Star believes there will not be another supersonic passenger jet for 30 years - but the Mirror calls for a "new Concorde for a new age".

The latest instalment from the former royal butler Paul Burrell's book about the Princess of Wales dominates the first nine pages of the Mirror.

The Express criticises Mr Burrell for not sticking to a promise - made in a letter published by the paper - that he would never sell his story about Diana.

Several papers marvel at the money-making skills of Phillip Green, who has turned around the fortunes of the Arcadia retail group.

Mr Green is said to have bought Arcadia after his daughter, Chloe begged: "Daddy, Daddy, please can you buy Top Shop".