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Boris Johnson says he will not run for Tory party leadership after Gove challenge – live Boris Johnson says he will not run for Tory party leadership after Gove challenge – live
(35 minutes later)
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For what it’s worth, here’s a snapshot from what’s going on in the Labour party. A source (who is not well disposed towards Jeremy Corbyn) says that Holborn and St Pancras Labour party debated a motion supporting Corbyn last night and that it was defeated by 44 votes to 35. Apparently soft left members who have supported Corbyn in the past swung against him because of his performance in the EU referendum. Sir Keir Starmer, the MP, criticised Corbyn not just for being lacklustre during the campaign, but also for saying on Friday morning that the government should trigger article 50 (starting the withdrawal process) immediately. That would limit the government’s room for manoeuvre, Starmer said. The Momentum organiser James Schneider was there and apparently was none too pleased ...
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Lunchtime summary
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Here is the Guardian’s panel - Jonathan Freedland, Zoe Williams, Mary Dejevsky and Mark Wallace - on how Boris Johnson’s departure will affect the Conservative leadership contest.
Related: How will Boris Johnson’s departure change the Tory leadership contest? | The panel
And here’s an extract from Jonathan’s article.
The choice now is between, in Gove, a true Brexit believer and, in May, a candidate who today declared “Brexit means Brexit”. Those who had hoped that the next prime minister might look for a fudge, a way out of the 23 June verdict, need to lower their expectations – and accept that out might really mean out.
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Turning to the Labour party for a moment, we were expecting an announcement this afternoon from Angela Eagle about challenging Jeremy Corbyn for the leadership. But, according to Sky’s Jon Craig, that may be delayed.
Shad Cab member tells me probably no Angela Eagle launch today. Expects hustings between Eagle & Owen Smith on Mon to decide who will run.
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Dominic Raab on why Gove abandoned Johnson: 'we're picking a PM, not a school prefect'
Dominic Raab, the justice minister, was on the Daily Politics earlier explaining why he and his boss, Michael Gove, the justice secretary, decided they could no longer support Boris Johnson’s bid for the Conservative leadership. Along with Gove and Johnson, Raab was a leading leave campaigner.
Raab told the programme:
We were striving and struggling not just for a dream ticket, but a dream team ... We had certain reassurances about the team that were treated in a rather cavalier fashion - and you can see if you look at the runners and riders this morning the outcome of that ... Putting together a really strong unifying team was an absolute condition. When that fell away, I think that Michael felt things had changed ...
Boris was cavalier with assurances he made ... We’re picking a prime minister here to lead the country, not a school prefect.
Raab also explained why he was now backing Gove.
Michael Gove is the right leader for the country ... He can speak out to the aspirational underdog in our society, the kid from the council estate ... I also think when it comes to delivering on Brexit, we need someone with a passion but also the mastery of the detail. He combines both.
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My colleague Sam Coates from the Times (standing on the right, behind Norman Smith) found it hard to conceal his surprise after Boris Johnson’s announcement.My colleague Sam Coates from the Times (standing on the right, behind Norman Smith) found it hard to conceal his surprise after Boris Johnson’s announcement.
The lobby's reaction as expressed by @SamCoatesTimes pic.twitter.com/iOjhy1lhfaThe lobby's reaction as expressed by @SamCoatesTimes pic.twitter.com/iOjhy1lhfa
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Here is the Tory MP Paul Scully on Boris Johnson’s announcement.Here is the Tory MP Paul Scully on Boris Johnson’s announcement.
Gracious speech by @BorisJohnson pulling out of the race for leader. Hope he continues to play a big role.Gracious speech by @BorisJohnson pulling out of the race for leader. Hope he continues to play a big role.
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Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Jeremy Corbyn is attracting more criticism over the anti-semitism event, where he was accused of comparing Israel with Isis.Jeremy Corbyn is attracting more criticism over the anti-semitism event, where he was accused of comparing Israel with Isis.
From PA:From PA:
A Labour MP stormed out of a press conference staged by Jeremy Corbyn after being accused of colluding with the right-wing press by one of the leader’s grassroots supporters.A Labour MP stormed out of a press conference staged by Jeremy Corbyn after being accused of colluding with the right-wing press by one of the leader’s grassroots supporters.
A clearly upset Ruth Smeeth had been at the launch of a report into anti-Semitism in the party when it was claimed she was in cahoots with The Daily Telegraph.A clearly upset Ruth Smeeth had been at the launch of a report into anti-Semitism in the party when it was claimed she was in cahoots with The Daily Telegraph.
You sat there and watched our colleague Ruth Smeeth abused at a Labour event this morning. Your words are hollow. https://t.co/XvJQQUeFt6You sat there and watched our colleague Ruth Smeeth abused at a Labour event this morning. Your words are hollow. https://t.co/XvJQQUeFt6
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at 1.04pm BSTat 1.04pm BST
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Stewart Jackson is another disappointed Brexit Tory MPStewart Jackson is another disappointed Brexit Tory MP
I feel terribly disappointed for Boris who on any event has made history and for whom the UK will be indebted. I'll make my choice on MondayI feel terribly disappointed for Boris who on any event has made history and for whom the UK will be indebted. I'll make my choice on Monday
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These are from my colleague Martin Kettle.These are from my colleague Martin Kettle.
Boris Johnson will be editor of the Daily Telegraph by ChristmasBoris Johnson will be editor of the Daily Telegraph by Christmas
As Boris Johnson has a US passport maybe he is about to run for president insteadAs Boris Johnson has a US passport maybe he is about to run for president instead
The Tory party has proved yet again it has PhD in ruthlessness. Labour hasn't even passed GCSE.The Tory party has proved yet again it has PhD in ruthlessness. Labour hasn't even passed GCSE.
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These are from the BBC’s Andrew Sinclair.These are from the BBC’s Andrew Sinclair.
Boris supporter @JDjanogly "i'm dissappointed" @JamesCleverly fighting back tears "i'm gutted"Boris supporter @JDjanogly "i'm dissappointed" @JamesCleverly fighting back tears "i'm gutted"
He is referring to Tory MPs Jonathan Djanogly and James Cleverly.He is referring to Tory MPs Jonathan Djanogly and James Cleverly.
And Nadine Dorries, another pro-Johnson Conservative, was in tears, he says.And Nadine Dorries, another pro-Johnson Conservative, was in tears, he says.
Boris supporter @NadineDorriesMP in tears at decision not to standBoris supporter @NadineDorriesMP in tears at decision not to stand
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Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are both coming in for stick over today’s drama but for different reasons.Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are both coming in for stick over today’s drama but for different reasons.
Rob Ford, professor of political science at Manchester University, says of Johnson:Rob Ford, professor of political science at Manchester University, says of Johnson:
Boris engineered the largest constitutional crisis in post-war history but won't even put his name forward to clear it up? What. A. Prat.Boris engineered the largest constitutional crisis in post-war history but won't even put his name forward to clear it up? What. A. Prat.
Actor Ewan McGregor is none too impressed either..Actor Ewan McGregor is none too impressed either..
@BorisJohnson You spineless c$&t You lead this ludicrous campaign to leave EU. Win, and now fuc& off to let someone else clear up your mess.@BorisJohnson You spineless c$&t You lead this ludicrous campaign to leave EU. Win, and now fuc& off to let someone else clear up your mess.
I will say a bit not good of Boris to invite his supporters and strand them in public like that without telling them. Feel sorry Nadine nowI will say a bit not good of Boris to invite his supporters and strand them in public like that without telling them. Feel sorry Nadine now
Although Jamie Oliver will be pleased.Although Jamie Oliver will be pleased.
As for Gove ...As for Gove ...
One MP loyal to Boris:"What Michael Gove has done today will live on in political history for a long time. He's trashed his own reputation"One MP loyal to Boris:"What Michael Gove has done today will live on in political history for a long time. He's trashed his own reputation"
The Mirror quotes an unnamed friend of Johnson as saying:The Mirror quotes an unnamed friend of Johnson as saying:
Michael Gove has just been the most amazing shit.Michael Gove has just been the most amazing shit.
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Nazia ParveenNazia Parveen
James Wharton, a communities minister, who declared his support for Boris Johnson yesterday has said that he does not know who he will support now. He said:James Wharton, a communities minister, who declared his support for Boris Johnson yesterday has said that he does not know who he will support now. He said:
I am disappointed but it is a fast moving political environment. I will now look at what other candidates will propose.I am disappointed but it is a fast moving political environment. I will now look at what other candidates will propose.
I had a private meeting with Boris on Monday where he gave me assurances about the sort of things I wanted to see for the north of England, for the way we will take the Northern Powerhouse forward.I had a private meeting with Boris on Monday where he gave me assurances about the sort of things I wanted to see for the north of England, for the way we will take the Northern Powerhouse forward.
I had specific, private assurances about projects that I wanted to see supported across the north. I will now wait to see what the other candidates will offer.I had specific, private assurances about projects that I wanted to see supported across the north. I will now wait to see what the other candidates will offer.
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What the Gove camp say about why Gove abandoned Boris JohnsonWhat the Gove camp say about why Gove abandoned Boris Johnson
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Michael Gove decided late last night that he could no longer support Boris Johnson’s bid for the Tory leadership, according to sources familiar with what happened. Until very recently he had been clear that he would not stand himself. But he thought it would boil down to a contest between Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Having concluded he could not support Johnson, he was then reluctant to see May go unchallenged, because he thought there had to be a leave candidate. And so he decided to stand himself.Michael Gove decided late last night that he could no longer support Boris Johnson’s bid for the Tory leadership, according to sources familiar with what happened. Until very recently he had been clear that he would not stand himself. But he thought it would boil down to a contest between Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Having concluded he could not support Johnson, he was then reluctant to see May go unchallenged, because he thought there had to be a leave candidate. And so he decided to stand himself.
Gove tried to call Boris Johnson this morning to tell him, but could not get hold of him. But he did speak to Sir Lynton Crosby, who was running Johnson’s campaign, before releasing his statement to the media.Gove tried to call Boris Johnson this morning to tell him, but could not get hold of him. But he did speak to Sir Lynton Crosby, who was running Johnson’s campaign, before releasing his statement to the media.
And that helps to explain why Gove decided he could not support Johnson. According to sources, Gove felt that Johnson did not have the “grip” necessary to run Number 10. Gove admired him as a campaigner. But, over the last week, as Gove and his allies worked with Johnson on Johnson’s leadership campaign, they became concerned by how chaotic he was. There were various people Johnson was supposed to bringing into the campaign who failed to come on board. Monday’s Telegraph article was not cleared with colleagues. Gove and his supporters felt the necessary structures were not there, and that this was because Johnson lacked the ability to run and organise an operation of this kind.And that helps to explain why Gove decided he could not support Johnson. According to sources, Gove felt that Johnson did not have the “grip” necessary to run Number 10. Gove admired him as a campaigner. But, over the last week, as Gove and his allies worked with Johnson on Johnson’s leadership campaign, they became concerned by how chaotic he was. There were various people Johnson was supposed to bringing into the campaign who failed to come on board. Monday’s Telegraph article was not cleared with colleagues. Gove and his supporters felt the necessary structures were not there, and that this was because Johnson lacked the ability to run and organise an operation of this kind.
There has been speculation that Gove abandoned Johnson because he felt he was going to backtrack on Brexit (to be the leaver who delivered remain, as Nicholas Watt put it in his question to Theresa May earlier - see 10.11am.) Sources dismiss this; they say the problems with Johnson were organisational and managerial, not so much ideological. And they have also dismissed suggestions that Gove abandoned Johnson because the press barons Rupert Murdoch and Paul Dacre were refusing to support him (as Sarah Vine’s leaked email suggested). Murdoch and Dacre would have supported a Johnson bid which included Gove, they say.There has been speculation that Gove abandoned Johnson because he felt he was going to backtrack on Brexit (to be the leaver who delivered remain, as Nicholas Watt put it in his question to Theresa May earlier - see 10.11am.) Sources dismiss this; they say the problems with Johnson were organisational and managerial, not so much ideological. And they have also dismissed suggestions that Gove abandoned Johnson because the press barons Rupert Murdoch and Paul Dacre were refusing to support him (as Sarah Vine’s leaked email suggested). Murdoch and Dacre would have supported a Johnson bid which included Gove, they say.
And they insist that, just because Gove does not see Johnson as a suitable potential prime minister, that does not mean that he would not get a cabinet job in a Gove administration. Gove does rate Johnson - just not highly enough to want to put him in Number 10.And they insist that, just because Gove does not see Johnson as a suitable potential prime minister, that does not mean that he would not get a cabinet job in a Gove administration. Gove does rate Johnson - just not highly enough to want to put him in Number 10.
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5 candidates in Conservative leadership contest5 candidates in Conservative leadership contest
Here is the official list of contestants in the Tory leadership contest. Nominations closed at noon.Here is the official list of contestants in the Tory leadership contest. Nominations closed at noon.
Here now are the official runners and riders (candidates, proposers, seconders) as announced by the 1922 Committee. pic.twitter.com/QZsVjYu1OHHere now are the official runners and riders (candidates, proposers, seconders) as announced by the 1922 Committee. pic.twitter.com/QZsVjYu1OH
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Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
A Labour briefing says Michael Gove has gone on the record as saying he is “not equipped to be prime minister” and points out that he has ruled himself out of standing at least nine times.A Labour briefing says Michael Gove has gone on the record as saying he is “not equipped to be prime minister” and points out that he has ruled himself out of standing at least nine times.
It says:It says:
In doing so [standing] Michael Gove has sent a message that he would rather the country get a prime minister who himself thinks he’s not up to the job than let one of his Tory rivals succeed.In doing so [standing] Michael Gove has sent a message that he would rather the country get a prime minister who himself thinks he’s not up to the job than let one of his Tory rivals succeed.
In saying that he is better suited for the role than his other rivals, Michael Gove is in effect saying that they are not up to the job of prime minister. We know this because he doesn’t think he is up to the job and shouldn’t be doing it.In saying that he is better suited for the role than his other rivals, Michael Gove is in effect saying that they are not up to the job of prime minister. We know this because he doesn’t think he is up to the job and shouldn’t be doing it.
Among the quotes by Gove in the past which it cites are:Among the quotes by Gove in the past which it cites are:
“I don’t think I have got that exceptional level of ability required to do the job.”“I don’t think I have got that exceptional level of ability required to do the job.”
“I don’t have what it takes.”“I don’t have what it takes.”
andand
“I am not equipped to be prime minister.” (World At One, BBC Radio 4, October 2012)“I am not equipped to be prime minister.” (World At One, BBC Radio 4, October 2012)
During his speech at the launch of the report into antisemitism in the Labour party, for which Jeremy Corbyn himself has received flak, the opposition leader attacked Gove’s language during the referendum campaign. He said:During his speech at the launch of the report into antisemitism in the Labour party, for which Jeremy Corbyn himself has received flak, the opposition leader attacked Gove’s language during the referendum campaign. He said:
The justice secretary Michael Gove compared pro-remain economists to Nazi collaborators, a startling example of the way in which the Nazi regime and the Holocaust can be minimalised, trivialised or even forgotten by ill-judged comparisons.The justice secretary Michael Gove compared pro-remain economists to Nazi collaborators, a startling example of the way in which the Nazi regime and the Holocaust can be minimalised, trivialised or even forgotten by ill-judged comparisons.
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