Newspaper headlines: PM in crisis and NHS rescue plan delays

Both the Daily Telegraph and the Times report that the Treasury has blocked the publication of a multi-billion pound plan to tackle the backlog of NHS patients waiting for routine care in England.

The document was expected today, but the Telegraph says the Treasury has refused to sign it off because of concerns about value for money.

According to the Times, an acrimonious dispute has broken out over how quickly waiting lists can be returned to pre-pandemic levels. The paper says the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, wants to hold the health service more firmly to account for the extra funds it will receive.

The Guardian highlights a study by the House of Commons Library which found that the number of cancer patients in England experiencing delays in seeing a specialist for the first time has hit a record high - as has the number waiting to start their treatment. Half a million people with suspected cancer will have to wait longer than the supposed two-week maximum to see an oncologist this year.

At the same time more than 75,000 patients diagnosed with cancer won't be able to start treatment - such as surgery or chemotherapy - within the target of between 31 and 62 days.

On Boris Johnson's woes, according to the Times, the PM is hoping to announce the appointment of Dame Emily Lawson as the new permanent secretary at No 10 this week. She currently runs NHS England's vaccination programme.

The paper says other non-political figures are also being sounded out as the prime minister tries to "reset" Downing Street, but his former key aide, Dominic Cummings, is expected to make further allegations against him on Monday.

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A report in the Sun says Mr Johnson is planning a mini-reshuffle, which could include a new chief whip and the creation of new post - that of Brexit Opportunities minister. The paper says the prime minister has also cancelled a trip to Australia next week as he battles against what it calls a "mutinous" Tory party.

The i newspaper says its investigation has concluded that more than 100 Conservative MPs could be expected to oppose Mr Johnson in a confidence vote - leaving him wounded, even though he would win. The paper estimates that between 30 and 45 MPs have written letters of no confidence - getting closer to the 54 needed to trigger a vote.

Complaints by athletes forced into quarantine after testing positive for Covid at the Winter Olympics in Beijing are highlighted by the Financial Times. The German team at the games described the conditions as unacceptable with a lack of training equipment, and limited access to food and internet.

The Daily Mail has more details on the announcement, over the weekend, that the Duchess of Cornwall will be known as Queen Consort when Prince Charles ascends the throne. The paper says the decision was taken years ago when Prince Charles changed his coronation vows to include "Queen Camilla." His mother approved the move as part of a general reworking of the plans for his coronation.

And finally the Guardian reports that a new product is to appear on supermarket shelves for those looking for plant-based alternatives to milk.

After soya, nut and oat - people in the UK will from this week be able to buy potato milk, made in Sweden. It's been described as "deliciously creamy" and capable of producing the "perfect foam" for a home made cappuccino.