What is Michael Gove up to?

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.