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'Brexit means Brexit': Theresa May launches Tory leadership bid as Michael Gove abandons Boris Johnson – live 'Brexit means Brexit': May launches Tory leadership bid as Gove abandons Johnson – live
(35 minutes later)
11.23am BST
11:23
Tory MP Nigel Evans, who is backing Boris Johnson, was asked whether Theresa May had stabbed his favoured candidate in the back and Michael Gove had stabbed him in the front. He replied:
That’s about it. It makes House of Cards look like Teletubbies.
He later said himself that Gove had “stabbed Boris in the front”.
Although laughing, he said he was a “bit irritated” as the leave side, which he is part of, is in disarray, while things are relatively orderly on the remain side, with May the clear frontrunner (he thinks she will win the first round).
I think there’s almost an expectation that it should be Theresa and Boris. I think they’d be real surprise if it ended up with someone else.
11.16am BST
11:16
Airport capacity decision deferred
Haroon Siddique
The decision on expanding airport capacity in south-east England has been deferred until a new Conservative leader is elected, the government has confirmed. David Cameron was expected to confirm whether projects at Heathrow or Gatwick would get the go-ahead in the coming weeks if the UK voted to remain in the EU.
But Cameron’s resignation following the Brexit vote means the decision will not be made until the autumn.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin told the House of Commons:
I had hoped that we would be able to announce a decision on airport capacity this summer.
Clearly any announcement on airport capacity would have to be made when the House is in session and being realistic, given recent events, I cannot now foresee an announcement until at least October.
Heathrow and Gatwick responded to the announcement by reiterating their respective claims for expansion.
11.13am BST
11:13
Here is Nicky Morgan’s statement on why she is backing Michael Gove. And here’s an extract.
It is equally important that we now secure the right deal for Britain – and the next leader must have the skill and credibility to put together the right team to renegotiate our exit from and future relationship with Europe and explain the final terms to the British people.
Having spent the past week talking to colleagues in parliament, party members and constituents I have concluded unequivocally that the right person to do that is Michael Gove and I am delighted to be endorsing his candidacy today.
11.12am BST
11:12
And Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, who was also mulling over his own leadership bid, has announced that he is backing Theresa May. He said:
I have decided that now is not the right time for me to run for the leadership - though I remain completely committed to ensuring we secure our position as a great trading nation with sensible controls on migration. I believe that Theresa May has the strength, judgement and values to deliver those things. She is the right choice to lead Britain in a challenging period and will make a truly outstanding prime minister.
11.10am BST
11:10
According to Sky News, Nicky Morgan, the education secretary, has said she will not stand for the leadership. She is backing Michael Gove, Sky says.
11.09am BST
11:09
Tory MP Nadine Dorries not part of the alleged “stampede” to Gove. She is typically outspoken about his candidature for the leadership, suggesting he cannot be trusted. She also says Conservative party members will be furious if Boris Johnson does not make the final two.
Conservative party members will be very very angry if Boris not on final 2. Treachery of Gove won't be forgiven easily
Gove didn't get the big job Mrs Vine wanted for him - Boris doesn't do bribes
Conservative party members have no forgiveness for opportunism and treachery - those days are gone
' I don't want to be PM' who can ever believe a word Gove says again
11.05am BST
11:05
Haroon Siddique
Channel 4’s Tim Bouverie quotes an MP saying there is a “stampede” from Johnson to Gove.
There is "a stampede away from Boris to Gove" - Tory MP.
Nick Boles who had declared for Boris is running Gove's campaign. Other defections: Raab, Hayes, Gibb
Michael Gove is the man the party and country can trust to deliver Brexit. He's a passionate believer in social justice and a true reformer.
11.01am BST
11:01
Dominic Raab, the justice minister, was backing Boris Johnson. But he’s just told Sky News that he is now backing Michael Gove.
As 5 News’s Andy Bell points out, Raab has an article in today’s Sun saying why Johnson should be the leader.
Just watched Dominic Raab backing Michael Gove while reading his Sun article backing Boris #ToryLeadership pic.twitter.com/46LAggVoWW
10.59am BST
10:59
Haroon Siddique
Good morning, this is Haroon Siddique, I’ll be helping Andrew out with blog today as there is so much going on today.
Bookies have installed Michael Gove as the second favourite behind Theresa May.
William Hill quotes May as 8/13, Gove as 3/1 and Johnson at 11/1.
However, the former Conservative chair Sayeeda Warsi has made some very damning comments about Gove, suggesting that he is a political opportunist and not a unifier.
She told BBC News:
I am quite surprised [by his announcement]. I never really thought it [the referendum campaign] was about Michael’s political ambitions ...
I am also surprised at what he said. He talks about healing and speaking for all and bringing the country together. From my experience of Michael and his approach towards teachers, the legal profession, ethnic minorities, that is not the Michael Gove I see.
By contrast, Warsi described May’s speech as “brilliant”.
10.56am BST
10:56
Here is Paul Goodman, editor of ConservativeHome, on why Michael Gove abandoned Boris Johnson.
Gove's decision 1) He came to believe that @BorisJohnson was prepared to backtrack on Brexit.
Gove's decision 2) It's claimed that Johnson refused to allow his Daily Telegraph column text to go through a campaign approval process.
Gove's decision 3) The Justice Secretary & supporters concluded that Johnson was unlikely to defeat May.
10.50am BST
10:50
Here’s a clip from Theresa May’s leadership launch.
I will post a full summary soon.
10.37am BST10.37am BST
10:3710:37
These are from the Spectator’s James Forsyth.These are from the Spectator’s James Forsyth.
Think if Gove can make it to the last two, then he has a chance. But next 24 hours absolutely key for himThink if Gove can make it to the last two, then he has a chance. But next 24 hours absolutely key for him
Understand that it was concerns, and frustrations, about the Boris operation and Boris’s way of working that tipped Gove over the edgeUnderstand that it was concerns, and frustrations, about the Boris operation and Boris’s way of working that tipped Gove over the edge
10.29am BST10.29am BST
10:2910:29
Here is Channel 4 New’s Gary Gibbon’s take on Michael Gove’s declaration he is standing. And here is an extract.Here is Channel 4 New’s Gary Gibbon’s take on Michael Gove’s declaration he is standing. And here is an extract.
The PM’s circle were already calling him Brutus. Samantha Cameron has told friends she will never speak to the Goves again.The PM’s circle were already calling him Brutus. Samantha Cameron has told friends she will never speak to the Goves again.
Now the Johnsons’ dinner parties are off limits.Now the Johnsons’ dinner parties are off limits.
Can he become PM?Can he become PM?
Michael Gove has gone a lot further than others in the past in ruling himself out not on grounds of skill or ambition but on grounds of temperament. He said repeatedly that he didn’t have the calm serenity of mind and the thick skin required to do the job.Michael Gove has gone a lot further than others in the past in ruling himself out not on grounds of skill or ambition but on grounds of temperament. He said repeatedly that he didn’t have the calm serenity of mind and the thick skin required to do the job.
Some people very close to him, some in the party, probably George Osborne with whom he managed to stay in touch throughout the turmoil and bitterness of the campaign, have helped to change his mind. The adulation of Tories and the right wing press has played a role tooSome people very close to him, some in the party, probably George Osborne with whom he managed to stay in touch throughout the turmoil and bitterness of the campaign, have helped to change his mind. The adulation of Tories and the right wing press has played a role too
10.23am BST10.23am BST
10:2310:23
The Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has announced he is switching his support to Michael Gove from Boris Johnson.The Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has announced he is switching his support to Michael Gove from Boris Johnson.
I am transferring my support to Michael Gove for the leadership of the @Conservatives and Prime @Number10gov. pic.twitter.com/C8yUvy9mhgI am transferring my support to Michael Gove for the leadership of the @Conservatives and Prime @Number10gov. pic.twitter.com/C8yUvy9mhg
10.13am BST10.13am BST
10:1310:13
Q: What would you do about the border with Ireland?Q: What would you do about the border with Ireland?
May says there is a common travel area in Ireland. The government is speaking to the Irish government about this.May says there is a common travel area in Ireland. The government is speaking to the Irish government about this.
And that’s it. I will post a summary soon.And that’s it. I will post a summary soon.
10.12am BST10.12am BST
10:1210:12
May says she is opposed to an early electionMay says she is opposed to an early election
Q: Given the government is abandoning so many policies, aren’t voters entitled to another election?Q: Given the government is abandoning so many policies, aren’t voters entitled to another election?
May says the government was elected on a clear manifesto. It should deliver on that. And, given the uncertainties around at the moment, it would be wrong to introduce further uncertainty by having an election.May says the government was elected on a clear manifesto. It should deliver on that. And, given the uncertainties around at the moment, it would be wrong to introduce further uncertainty by having an election.
10.11am BST10.11am BST
10:1110:11
May says she has abandoned plans to try to get Britain to withdraw from ECHRMay says she has abandoned plans to try to get Britain to withdraw from ECHR
Q: Can you guarantee that EU citizens living in the EU will be allowed to stay?Q: Can you guarantee that EU citizens living in the EU will be allowed to stay?
May says this will be part of the negotiation.May says this will be part of the negotiation.
But it is not about whether people are welcome here, she says, implying they are.But it is not about whether people are welcome here, she says, implying they are.
Q: [From Newsnight’s Nick Watt] You say there must be no backdoor pitch to remain. Is your pitch that you are Theresa May, the remainer, who will deliver leave, unlike Boris Johnson, the leaver, who will deliver remain.Q: [From Newsnight’s Nick Watt] You say there must be no backdoor pitch to remain. Is your pitch that you are Theresa May, the remainer, who will deliver leave, unlike Boris Johnson, the leaver, who will deliver remain.
(Terrific question.)(Terrific question.)
May says her pitch is that she is the best person to be prime minister.May says her pitch is that she is the best person to be prime minister.
Q: [From my colleague Rowena Mason] Are you still committed to pulling out of the European convention on human rights?Q: [From my colleague Rowena Mason] Are you still committed to pulling out of the European convention on human rights?
May says she set our her views on this in a speech. But there is no parliamentary majority for leaving the ECHR, and so she will not be pursuing it.May says she set our her views on this in a speech. But there is no parliamentary majority for leaving the ECHR, and so she will not be pursuing it.
10.06am BST10.06am BST
10:0610:06
Q: Are you committed to getting net migration below 100,000?Q: Are you committed to getting net migration below 100,000?
May says it was in the manifesto in 2010 and 2015. The government will have to negotiate controls on free movement.May says it was in the manifesto in 2010 and 2015. The government will have to negotiate controls on free movement.
Q: What is your red line? Preserving access to the single market? Or curbs on free movement?Q: What is your red line? Preserving access to the single market? Or curbs on free movement?
May says you should not declare you red lines in advance. You should go into a negotiation looking for the best deal you can get. That includes progress on both. And access to the single market for services is important.May says you should not declare you red lines in advance. You should go into a negotiation looking for the best deal you can get. That includes progress on both. And access to the single market for services is important.
10.05am BST10.05am BST
10:0510:05
Q: Would leaving the EU bring down net migration below 100,000?Q: Would leaving the EU bring down net migration below 100,000?
May says you cannot simply pull a lever and bring down immigration. You have to work at this through various policy means.May says you cannot simply pull a lever and bring down immigration. You have to work at this through various policy means.
Q: Would it make a difference having a woman as prime minister?Q: Would it make a difference having a woman as prime minister?
May says she has always championed having more women in politics. But the key thing is how you do the job?May says she has always championed having more women in politics. But the key thing is how you do the job?
Q: Would you give Boris Johnson a job?Q: Would you give Boris Johnson a job?
May says she thinks talent from all wings of the party should be in the government. But she is not going around offering jobs.May says she thinks talent from all wings of the party should be in the government. But she is not going around offering jobs.
Q: What do you think of Michael Gove’s comments about Johnson, and the fact he is standing?Q: What do you think of Michael Gove’s comments about Johnson, and the fact he is standing?
May says it is for Gove to explain what he meant. She welcomes the fact that there is a contest. It would not be good for the leadership to be decided by a deal done behind closed doors.May says it is for Gove to explain what he meant. She welcomes the fact that there is a contest. It would not be good for the leadership to be decided by a deal done behind closed doors.
10.01am BST
10:01
Q: You are home secretary, and responsible for immigration. And remain lost because of immigration. So why should people trust you to control it?
May says she has done this. She has sat around the table in Europe. And she delivered in Europe. Other people have delivered in Europe too. Like Boris Johnson. The last time he did a deal with the Germans, he came back with three nearly new water cannon.
Q: Why should the Conservative membership trust you?
May says the leadership contest should not just be about Europe. The government was elected on a manifesto.
Q: Would you keep the target of getting immigration below 100,000?
May says she has introduced measures to bring immigration down. And it is vital to secure controls on free movement in the Brexit negotiations.
She says leaving the EU will not on its own address people’s concerns about immigration.
Q: Do you see parallels between yourself and Angela Merkel?
May says she is not showy. And she never compares herself to other politician. She just focuses on doing her own thing.
9.57am BST
09:57
Theresa May's Q&A
I will summarise Theresa May’s speech soon. It was substantial.
She is now taking questions.
Q: Why should you be leader?
May says she can offer strong leadership and honesty.
9.56am BST
09:56
Gove's declaration - reaction from the Twitter commentariat
This is what political journalists are saying about Michael Gove’s declaration that he is standing for the Conservative leadership.
This massively helps Theresa May look like unifying, stable candidate while Gove and Johnson fight it out
The other interesting thing about Michael Gove's statement is that the pitch he's making is continuity Vote Leave.
Must assume Murdoch and Dacre could not endorse Boris - step forward the proprietors choice Michael Gove.
To the extent official Leave campaign had a policy prospectus, Michael Gove will attempt to fulfil it. The @odysseanproject continues.
Important: Gove wants to leave the single market https://t.co/7fleFljNkb
Nick Boles abandons Boris Johnson to chair Gove campaign
So if you were a conspiracy theorist, you would say that Mr Gove was behind the leaking of the prophetic Mrs Gove email, to soften us up
The power of a determined wife: Gove runs!
Or is Gove's running he power of Dacre and Murdoch..who are said to doubt Boris?
The 3 people who spent the last few months working hand-in-glove with Boris—Gove, Leadsom and Boles—all abandon him at once. Fancy that.
Maybe Boris didn't see this quote from Cameron: "(Gove is) basically a bit of a Maoist. He believes in...a process of creative destruction.”
9.48am BST
09:48
This is a terrific Gove profile by Decca Aitkenhead from four years ago https://t.co/FZU2TdPhEe
9.47am BST
09:47
This is from the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn.
A text arrives from a senior Team Boris figure: "Gove is a c*** who set this up form start". This is going to be bloody.
9.44am BST
09:44
Gove's declaration for the Conservative leadership - Snap analysis
Andrew Sparrow
Last week Michael Gove’s Vote Leave campaign ended the career of David Cameron - a man that Gove has counted as a close friend for more than a decade.
Today the Gove career-destroying machine has turned on Boris Johnson, who until about half an hour ago was the favourite to win the Conservative leadership. Gove, who is respected by colleagues, Tory members and the media, has just published a damning character reference about the man with whom he jointly ran the victorious Vote Leave campaign. Here it is again:
I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behindBoris 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.
Gove does not explain why he has come to this conclusion, but presumably we will learn more later today, or in the days ahead. Gove was never particularly close to Johnson and it was reported that at a dinner with Rupert Murdoch two years ago he told the media tycoon Johnson was not fit to be prime minister. “A ‘tipsy’ Michael Gove has launched an extraordinary wine-fuelled attack on Boris Johnson, saying he ‘has no gravitas and is unfit to lead the nation’,” is how the Mail on Sunday reported it. But Gove and Johnson appeared to get on during the EU referendum camaign and afterwards Gove’s supporter briefed journalists that Gove had developed new respect for Johnson. This is what the well-informed James Forsyth wrote at the weekend in the Sun.
But I understand that Gove is not planning to put himself forward.
One influential figure in the Leave campaign says: “Michael has acquired a new respect for Boris in this process.”
Those on the Vote Leave team have bonded during this campaign: “They have become a band of brothers and sisters. There is a logic to them taking on the challenge they have created,” I am told.
So something has changed. Yesterday we learned, from a leaked email written by Gove’s wife Sarah Vine, that she feared Johnson might fail to honour promises made to her husband. Gove has now decided his wife was right.
Gove’s intervention is, at one level, a stop Johnson operation, and it may well succeed.
But it would be a mistake to think this is just about sabotaging Johnson. In the past Gove has repeatedly said that he does not want to be prime minster, with an apparent sincerity that led journalists and colleagues to think he meant it. He hinted that he accepted that his own personal limitations (he is famously impractical, he’s not good with numbers, he does not like flying, and some of his intellectual interests border on the eccentric) meant he was not suitable for the job. But it is a rare politician who turns down the chance to be prime minister. Yesterday a ConservativeHome survey of party members had Theresa May and Boris Johnson as joint favourites. But that may be because they did not ask about Gove, because ConservativeHome thought Gove was not running. When ConservativeHome asked the same question in a survey in May, Gove came top. There is a real chance he could win.
9.35am BST
09:35
Chris Grayling, the leader of the Commons, is introducing Theresa May. He is chairing her campaign.
That is significant because he was as significant leave campaigner.
9.34am BST
09:34
Theresa May, the home secretary, is launching her leadership bid with a speech around now.
She has set out her case in a long post on Facebook.
9.17am BST
09:17
Andrea Leadsom, the pro-Brexit energy minister, has announced that she is also running for the Conservative leadership.
Delighted to say I'm running for the @Conservatives Leadership.Let's make the most of the Brexit opportunities!#FreshStart
9.05am BST
09:05
Michael Gove announces he is standing for Conservative leadership
Andrew Sparrow
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Nadia.
Michael Gove has announced that he is standing for the Conservative leadership.
Here is his statement.
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.