How a failed newspaper for women became Britain’s most iconic working-class tabloid

Food & Drink · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Launched in 1903 as a publication for women, the Daily Mirror initially struggled to find its footing. After a radical pivot to a pictorial, working-class focus, it transformed into a cultural powerhouse, shaping British politics and journalism for over a century through bold headlines, investigative reporting, and legendary cartoon strips.

Founded by Alfred Harmsworth in 1903, the Daily Mirror was originally intended to be a mirror of feminine life, run by women. The paper failed to gain traction, leading Harmsworth to fire his female staff and pivot to a broader, pictorial format in 1904. By the 1930s, under new ownership and the influence of the J. Walter Thompson agency, it adopted the aggressive, visual style of New York tabloids. This transformation helped it capture the working-class market, with daily sales reaching a record-breaking 5 million copies by the mid-1960s.

The paper’s political identity was cemented in 1945, when it became a staunch supporter of the Labour Party, a loyalty it maintained through subsequent decades. This stance often put it at odds with the political establishment, including a notable conflict with Winston Churchill during the Second World War. Its editorial influence was bolstered by iconic features like the 'Andy Capp' cartoon and investigative work by journalists such as John Pilger, who exposed Khmer Rouge atrocities in Cambodia. However, the paper also faced significant controversies, including libel cases and the 2004 publication of fake photos depicting the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, which led to the dismissal of editor Piers Morgan.

Throughout its history, the Mirror has experimented with its identity, from the short-lived 'Mirrorscope' supplement in the late 1960s to a 1996 marketing stunt where the entire paper was printed on blue paper for Pepsi. Despite facing intense competition from rivals like The Sun and a long-term decline in print circulation, the brand has remained resilient. In 2023, it expanded into the United States with the launch of The Mirror US, continuing its legacy as a major player in the evolving landscape of global media.

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