The editorial of today's Times says Michael Howard will be a "formidable foe" for Labour if the parliamentary party is disciplined and united. However, its political commentator, Peter Riddell, says that "he still looks like a transitional leader".

The Telegraph also backs Howard. Its editorial says "there is universal acceptance amongst all wings of the party of his outstanding ability".

Today's Guardian says that it is "difficult to see him in any other terms than as a caretaker who will nurse the party through a less humiliating defeat than might have been suffered under Mr Duncan Smith".

The FT claims Howard's comeback is "worthy of a Jeffrey Archer novel" given that in 1997 he was the most unpopular member of the Major government. It describes David Davis's move to step down as a "politically astute decision" by a tough right-winger. It also warns that Labour has not seen the bloodbath it had hoped for and a new opposition will be a wake up call for the government.

The Independent argues that the challenge for the Tories is to "restore itself to a fighting fitness as soon as possible before the next election".

The Sun says that "of all the potential leaders, Howard was the one Labour feared most".

Today's Mirror says the chances of the Tories uniting is as likely "as them supporting the euro".

The Express urges Tory MPs "to get the right replacement" for Duncan Smith, saying that if the party is to survive its MPs "must pull together now".

The Mail expresses shock and horror at the Tories showing loyalty and discipline. It describes Howard as "the proper English gentleman" who is "trustworthy, romantic, intelligent and funny". "Sad...but we need a winner", the paper says of the IDS defeat.