Michael Gove scoffs at rumors he could become a newspaper editor and promises to remain an MP, claiming Boris Johnson was not seeking retribution for the 2016 election.
Michael Gove scoffs at rumors that he may soon become a newspaper editor.
The former Cabinet minister intends to remain in the House of Representatives despite his dismissal from the government.
He rejects the notion that he was dismissed by Boris Johnson in retaliation for 2016 events.
Michael Gove today scoffed at rumors that he could become a newspaper editor and promised to remain an MP despite his dismissal from the cabinet.
In July, the former Leveling Up Secretary was summarily sacked from his government position, mere hours after he had urged Boris Johnson to resign in the midst of a Tory rebellion against his premiership.
Allies of the Prime Minister promptly labeled Mr. Gove a “snake,” and there were suggestions that Mr. Johnson acted out of a desire for payback for the 2016 Tory leadership election.
Six years ago, Mr. Gove abruptly withdrew his support for his Vote Leave ally in order to dash Mr. Johnson’s prospects of unseating David Cameron as prime minister.
But the former Cabinet minister denied this morning that he was fired because of a long-standing resentment, despite being the only person removed by Mr. Johnson despite the fact that many others had urged the prime minister to resign.
Mr. Gove also claimed that it was “appropriate” for Mr. Johnson to dismiss him from the government this summer.
Michael Gove argued that Boris Johnson’s decision to oust him from the government this summer was “justified.”
In July, the former Secretary of State for Levelling Up was summarily dismissed from his Cabinet position, only hours after he had urged Boris Johnson to resign amid the Tory rebellion against his premiership.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program, the 55-year-old indicated that despite no longer holding a Cabinet position, he “certainly plans to remain in Parliament.”
And he refuted recent rumors that, after quitting the political frontline, he is pursuing the editorship of The Times newspaper.
‘No! He stated, “I believe my first responsibility and duty is to my constituents in Surrey Heath.”
“I will continue to serve as their representative and advocate for them as well as other causes in which I believe.”
I believe it is crucial that we continue to make the argument for equalization.
Boris Johnson was entirely correct to emphasize the need to provide greater assistance to underserved and neglected populations.
When it comes to education, prison reform, and the environment, we must also demonstrate that the Conservatives are a party with the ideas and compassion to make a difference in each of these areas.
Mr. Gove continued, in describing the events surrounding his dismissal in July, “I think it’s fair, he’s the Prime Minister.”
‘Earlier in the day, I had a private conversation with him in which I told him that I anticipated – in fact, I knew – that there would be a considerable number of resignations and that his position would become increasingly challenging.
I believed he should announce his own departure rather than face a vote of no confidence the following week, which I did not believe would be an appropriate manner for his leadership to end.
Boris’s differing opinion is entirely justifiable and understandable.
In 2016, Mr. Gove abruptly withdrew his support for his Vote Leave ally, putting an end to Mr. Johnson’s ambitions of unseating Prime Minister David Cameron.
Mr. Gove responded, “No, I don’t think so,” when asked if his dismissal was Mr. Johnson’s revenge for the events of 2016.
Instead, he asserted that Mr. Johnson “intended to stand and fight” in the face of efforts to oust him from Downing Street.
Mr. Gove continued, “In order to stand and fight, he needed to demonstrate that he was reforming his government.”
“Boris and I have had our differences, but I have a reservoir of affection for him and a tremendous deal of respect for what he accomplished in government.”
Mr. Johnson’s most ardent followers now favor Liz Truss in the Tory leadership battle to replace the PM, while Mr. Gove supports the campaign of challenger Rishi Sunak.
As he introduced Mr. Sunak at the final hustings event in London’s Wembley Arena, he praised the ex-chancellor for his “courage, compassion, and conviction” last night.