Papers predict Commons clear-out

A wholesale clearout of the Commons could be on the cards at the next election according to several papers.

The Sunday Times says up to 325 MPs could be "swept away" if an election is called in the autumn as it hopes.

As many as 16 Cabinet members could lose their jobs within months, writes the Sunday People, as Gordon Brown tries to clear up the expenses mess.

Some familiar faces could benefit from any clean-up, claims the Sunday Telegraph, including David Blunkett.

'Relentless zealot'

The candidates for the next Speaker of the House of Commons are also discussed in the Sunday papers.

Westminster must "not replace one questionable and partisan Speaker with another," warns the Mail on Sunday.

It believes a cross-party coalition must back a single figure "who can rise above the pettiness of party rivalry".

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg tells the Independent on Sunday he will vote for the "most relentless zealot for reform" whoever that may be.

'Grim up North'

On the final day of the Premiership season the papers have their own views on which north-east clubs are doomed.

The Sunday Mirror has Newcastle veteran Chris Waddle insisting that his old team will stay up. He tips striker Mark Viduka to be their "saviour".

Rivals Sunderland have a big incentive to survive, claims the Sunday Express. A buy-out from a Texan millionaire and "£200m to spend on transfers".

The News of the World is certain about one thing: "It's grim up North!"

Warrior Women

There is a controversial leader in the Observer, arguing that Joanna Lumley's Gurkha victory was "ridiculous" and "a national embarrassment"

"Is a beautiful, popular, charming actress the only hope of getting this morally inert nation going?" it asks.

But the Mail on Sunday thinks Lumley is one of a new breed of what it calls "Warrior Women", along with the likes of Helen Mirren and Michelle Obama.

"Women of substance of a certain age are very much in our faces," it says.