The Westminster rumour mill is in overdrive about Michael Gove’s intentions in the leadership contest. Fresh from bringing down Boris, the Brutus of the backbenches has surprised some by opting to back Kemi Badenoch in the race to find Johnson’s successor. His endorsement of Badenoch impressed some colleagues but many right wing Tories have convinced themselves that it is just part of a plot to split their wing of the party. Steve Baker went public on Monday, telling LBC listeners that:
I am given to understand quite authoritatively from a candidate that Michael Gove started with Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove is now backing Kemi Badenoch. And I understand that Michael Gove has left behind in the Rishi camp two of his strong supporters so it’s very clear to mewhat they’re trying to do as you suggest and that would be quite wrong and I hope that sunlight can be shone on that plan and I hope it’s not likely to happen.’
So, is Gove a Rishi plant on the Kemi team? The former journalist does stand out among Badenoch’s 20 supporters as one of just four who was elected prior to 2015: the bulk of her team were elected in 2017 with her or thereafter in 2019. This suggests a personal choice to endorse Badenoch rather than a generational or factional decision. Unlike others, Kemi Badenoch isn’t joining what she calls the ‘tax cuts bidding war’ – this means that she is not in conflict with Rishi Sunak. That harmony could be invaluable should Sunak win and need to appoint a replacement Chancellor.
Whether such rumour is true or not, the fact that some Tory MPs believe it is telling in itself. One Westminster watcher remarked to Mr S that ‘Michael is always on manoeuvres’ while a source on one campaign team said that ‘Gove is sitting in literally every hustings possible, like the spectre at the feast.’ Banquo or Macbeth?
Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none…
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