Former London Mayor Boris Johnson’s allies have accused Michael Gove of a “calculated plot” to destroy the lead Brexit campaigner’s hopes of becoming Conservative leader by stealing his support in an act of “midnight treachery”, The Telegraph online reported on Friday.
Advertisement
Gove had been excepted to support the former mayor of London’s bid to replace David Cameron after the two led the successful campaign for a Brexit vote in last week’s European Union referendum, which led to Cameron’s resignation.
The justice secretary, who is a leading candidate for the top position in the Conservative Party, declined to specify when he would formally launch the exit process.
And he said: ‘All my political career, I have been driven by conviction not ambition, by a belief in doing what’s right not what’s expedient, by wanting to pull levers that make things better, not steer to the sound of applause’. “In this respect, and in her steeliness, she is somewhat reminiscent of [former British prime minister] Margaret Thatcher”.
Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom, Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb and former Defense Secretary Liam Fox are also seeking the leadership. “I have, therefore, chose to put my name forward for the leadership”. The voting will be preceded by a series of hustings around the country, in which candidates will try to convince the membership that they are the person who should be handed the keys to No 10. The result will be announced on September 9.
Mr Gove revealed he had not yet spoken about his decision to Mr Johnson, whose campaign he had planned to run after the pair fought together for a Leave vote in last week’s European Union referendum.
Those who campaigned for a British exit, or Brexit, say any economic pain will be temporary, and that leaving the European Union will open up new trading possibilities with other regions. Some political observers speculate, however, that the new prime minister might call a general election as early as October.
In the video, the reporter also asks Mr Johnson if he will be playing a part in the next Government. Johnson has bounced back before, dismissing gaffes – from suggesting people in Papua New Guinea were cannibals to insulting the entire population of Liverpool – with a shrug or an apology.
By playing such a decisive role in a campaign featuring claims that were hotly contested, Johnson’s opponents accuse him of creating the UK’s biggest crisis in decades, only to abandon ship.
But by the time he spoke his bid had already been undermined by Gove, a close friend of Cameron’s despite differences with the prime minister over Europe, who had previously said he would back Johnson. Praising Cameron “as an exceptional person with exceptional talents”, Gove told The Daily Telegraph, “I don’t think I have got that exceptional level of ability required for the job”.
Boris Johnson – not a great week.
Advertisement
“Knowing Boris Johnson, he probably doesn’t think this is the last chance for him”, said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London.
