Conservative leadership election: Michael Gove announces shock move to stand for Tory Party leadership

Tom Marshall30 June 2016
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Michael Gove has entered the race to become the next Conservative Party leader and succeed David Cameron as prime minister.

The justice secretary became a surprise candidate after losing faith in fellow Leave campaigner Boris Johnson's bid, who he was widely expected to back.

The announcement comes as a huge blow to Mr Johnson, with Mr Gove taking a swipe at the former London mayor's leadership qualities as he entered the fray.

"I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead," he said.

The news was followed minutes later by fellow "Brexiteer" Andrea Leadsom also announcing her candidacy, tweeting: "Let's make the most of the Brexit opportunities!"

Home secretary Theresa May and Mr Johnson are widely seen as the frontrunners.

The latest polls gave her a strong lead over the former London mayor. A survey of Tory members by YouGov for The Times gave her a 17-point lead.

Mr Gove insisted he had no intention of running but was prompted to do so after apparently becoming disillusioned with the idea of Mr Johnson as prime minister.

"I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be Prime Minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me," he said.

"I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.

"But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.

"I have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership."

During the EU referendum campaign, the justice secretary and Mr Johnson worked side by side to secure the shock Brexit victory and were believed to have grown close.

Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine said in the email that her husband must secure a specific guarantee about his future before making any deal with Mr Johnson and should "not concede any ground".

Paul Dacre, editor of the Daily Mail, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch "instinctively dislike" Mr Johnson, she wrote.

Mr Gove has been seen as a divisive cabinet minister in the past. His tenure as education secretary proved controversial as he clashed heavily with the teaching profession.

All Tory leadership candidates are required to announce themselves today at the latest, with a new prime minister set to be installed by September 9.

Michael Gove's statement in full

The British people voted for change last Thursday. They sent us a clear instruction that they want Britain to leave the European Union and end the supremacy of EU law. They told us to restore democratic control of immigration policy and to spend their money on national priorities such as health, education and science instead of giving it to Brussels. They rejected politics as usual and government as usual. They want and need a new approach to running this country. 

There are huge challenges ahead for this country but also huge opportunities. We can make this country stronger and fairer. We have a unique chance to heal divisions, give everyone a stake in the future and set an example as the most creative, innovative and progressive country in the world.

If we are to make the most of the opportunities ahead we need a bold break with the past.

I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be Prime Minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me.

I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.

But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.

I have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership. I want there to be an open and positive debate about the path the country will now take. Whatever the verdict of that debate I will respect it. In the next few days I will lay out my plan for the United Kingdom which I hope can provide unity and change.

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