UK's 'Sun' endorses conflicting parties in polls

 The Rupert Murdoch owned 'Sun' newspaper has endorsed Prime Minister David Cameron-led Conservative party but its Scotland-based sister edition has backed the rival Scottish National Party in the May 7 General Election.

Ironically, while the London edition calls on voters to "stop the Scottish National Party running the country", the Scottish edition said the Tories did not understand Scotland and praised SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon as "a phenomenon who inspires people".

Andrew Nicoll, political editor of the Sun's sister title 'Scottish Sun' said the newspapers' split reflected "two distinct editorial positions from two distinct, editorially-diverse newspapers".

"We are a Scottish newspaper, run in Scotland, printed in Scotland, produced in Scotland by Scots, and it's not a surprise to anybody – least of all Rupert Murdoch – that these two papers have a diversion of view," he said.

A spokesperson for 'The Sun' added: "The Sun is written first and foremost for its readers, and the UK edition and Scottish edition have two very distinct audiences."

"If Scotland and England were playing each other at football, no one would expect the Scottish Sun to support the English national team," the spokesperson said.

The English cover depicted Cameron as a new-born baby, in a comic reference to Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal baby expected around election time.

The Scottish cover, in contrast, depicted Sturgeon in a 'Star Wars' inspired pose.
Both covers are being seen as a blatant attempt to block the Opposition Labour party from power.

The 'Sun' has a long-standing tradition of backing one of the key parties in the race to Downing Street.

After a long Tony Blair backing run, the newspaper turned away from the Labour party and supported the Conservatives before the last general election in 2010.