Michael Gove returns to The Times

In the aftermath of the Leave vote, it’s safe to say that not every Brexiteer’s career path has played out as they hoped. After Michael Gove’s leadership bid backfired, the former Justice Secretary has found himself on the back bench. What’s more, his old pals George Osborne and David Cameron appear to have cut him from their once close friendship group.

However, Mr S is pleased to report that Gove has reason to smile once again. As of next month he will return to The Times — where he previously worked before turning his hand at politics — to write a regular column for the Murdoch-owned paper. Steerpike understands that the appointment has led to speculation at News UK that this is a staging post to the editor’s chair.

Alas no word yet on whether his salary will rival the £250,000 per annum his fellow Brexiteer and one-time ally Boris Johnson received from the Telegraph for his column.