Starmer takes 14th L, tabloids weaponize it relentlessly

A Daily Mail front page from February 17, 2026, featuring multiple political scandals: the PM forced into a U-turn on local election cancellation after pressure from Nigel Farage (headline 14th major U-turn), an opinion piece calling for a police inquiry into Prince Andrew, and a sidebar story about someone named Cruz's 21st birthday party with a conspicuous absence. The layout is typical tabloid sensationalism with large dramatic headlines and competing stories. Extracted text: Daily Mail TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026 dailymail.co.uk £1.20 90p to subscribers Why a full police inquiry into Andrew is the only way to restore trust in the monarchy BY RICHARD KAY SEE PAGE 14 In 14th major U-turn, humiliated PM has to abandon plans to cancel local elections STARMER FORCED TO FACE WRATH OF VOTERS KEIR Starmer faced new humiliation last night after he was forced by Nigel Farage to abandon controversial plans to cancel local council elections for millions. In the 14th major U-turn of the Prime Minister's torrid time in office, ministers announced that postponed votes in 30 local councils across the country will now go ahead. By Martin Beckford and Sophie Church Turn to Page 6 Posh parties at Cruz's 21st – but guess who WASN'T there SEE PAGE 9 [Image caption mentions photo of two people at an event]