Gove for leader?

Michael Gove’s name is being muttered in parliamentary tea rooms, figuratively at least. The leak of his plans to replace GCSEs with a rigorous exam is opium to many Tories. Gove is well liked on the backbenches and within the party. And he also commands respect, being one of the few ministers who is not mired in catastrophe, although that may change as the pressure on primary school places increases and his opponents gain in voice.

Odds on a Gove leadership are shortening, even though Gove is adamant that he does not seek the office. Even so, there might be overwhelming demand for him to stand. Tim Montgomerie writes in today’s Mail:

‘One day, some time in the future, this brave politician might well be the kind of leader that the Conservative Party chooses and the nation craves.’

‘He knows what he wants and he knows what he’s about.