Michael Gove’s wife attacks Nick Clegg for Spain trip while PM is away

 
Criticism: Sarah Vine accused Nick Clegg of failing in his Government duty (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
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Michael Gove wife today accused Nick Clegg of failing in his Government duty by going on holiday at the same time as David Cameron.

Sarah Vine risked reigniting tensions between the Deputy Prime Minister and her husband with her criticism.

“Deputy PM Nick Clegg has just one real job to do. Look after the country while the actual PM is on hols pointing at fish,” she wrote in her Daily Mail column. “And where has Cleggy been all week? Spain. Great.”

Mr Gove and Mr Clegg have had a series of bust-ups over issues such as free school meals and a return to O-level style exams. They have sought to patch up relations several times but today’s comments are unlikely to help.

A senior Lib-Dem source said: “Hopefully, they (the Goves) can enjoy a bit of time over the summer and relax and have a bit more of a positive frame of mind when they get back.”

Mr Clegg is in Spain with his wife Miriam and children visiting her family. Mr Cameron returns from Portugal today, having rejected calls to fly back early and recall Parliament to discuss the Iraq crisis.

Mr Gove, who also clashed with Home Secretary Theresa May over tackling extremism, was moved from Education Secretary to Chief Whip in last month’s reshuffle, reportedly after “toxic” polling on how his controversial reforms had alienated teachers.

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