British Newspapers Report Artist Death and Political Developments

British newspapers on Saturday featured the death of artist David Hockney, aged 88, on multiple front pages. " The Financial Times called him one of the most popular and influential artists of the past century. The Independent reported that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is sounding out candidates for cabinet roles ahead of next week's Makerfield by-election.

Downing Street is preparing for possible ministerial resignations if Burnham wins the seat, the paper stated.

In an interview with the Times, Burnham said the UK must not be "squeamish" about cutting welfare spending to fund defence. He urged the government to listen to concerns raised by former Defence Secretary John Healey, who resigned this week over military spending.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is pushing to be made chancellor if Burnham becomes prime minister. Labour sources told the paper that the two talk regularly, with Miliband advising Burnham on how to reassure bond markets.

The i Weekend reported that the prime minister's former Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, has returned to advise the prime minister four months after resigning. A Number 10 source dismissed the report as nonsense.

The Daily Mail reported that the new Defence Secretary kept a low profile on his first day and that media were banned from the opening of a drone factory. The Daily Express reported that a monument to D-Day heroes and 50 miles of Normandy coastline will receive the same protections as the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids.

The Daily Mirror and Daily Star reported that Kevin Sinfield will be knighted in the King's Birthday Honours after raising £11 million to fight motor neurone disease. The widow of rugby player Rob Burrow, who died of the disease, said she was delighted by the honour.