Michael Gove Announces Resignation as Another Prominent Conservative Steps Down
Almost 80 Conservative MPs have announced they will not seek re-election, surpassing the previous record of 72 who resigned before Sir Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide victory for Labour.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove is the latest high-profile Conservative MP to step down for the July 4 General Election.
Gove, a veteran minister, stated that it has been a “profound privilege” to serve as an MP and minister, but he believes it is “time to move on” and let “a new generation take the lead.”
His decision was followed by his Tory colleague, arch-Brexiteer and former Commons leader Dame Andrea Leadsom, who announced her resignation after careful thought.
Currently, around 120 MPs have declared their intention to not seek re-election, including nearly 80 Conservatives.
Gove, who currently serves as the secretary of state for levelling up, housing, and communities, was first elected to Parliament in 2005 and has represented Surrey Heath since then.
He has held various ministerial positions under four prime ministers – David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and the current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Expressing his gratitude on X, formerly Twitter, Gove acknowledged the toll that public office has taken on him and others in politics who have willingly chosen this path.
Gove admitted to making mistakes as a politician but emphasized his commitment to being a voice for the overlooked and undervalued, as well as fighting for greater social justice.
In a show of support for Mr. Sunak as the election campaigning begins, Gove commended the prime minister for his patriotism, hard work, selfless service, and clear sense of purpose.
Craig Mackinlay, the Conservative MP for South Thanet who recently returned to Parliament after battling sepsis, also stated his intention to step down, citing the upcoming election campaign as challenging after his recent health ordeal.
The prime minister’s announcement of a summer election outside Number 10 caught many by surprise as an autumn poll was widely anticipated in Westminster.
This news has caused unease among some Tory MPs concerned about job losses, with some ministers privately expressing reservations about the decision.
Michael Gove’s career has been characterized by comebacks to the front line, from his Cabinet role as education secretary under Cameron to supporting Johnson’s leadership bid and launching his own unsuccessful attempt at the top job.
After being sacked by Johnson in 2022, Gove returned to the Cabinet by endorsing Sunak’s leadership campaign.
Gove is one of the highest-profile Conservative Party members to announce his retirement from parliamentary duties. Other notable figures, including Theresa May, have also confirmed they will not seek re-election.
By Saturday evening, 78 Conservative MPs had declared they would not run for re-election on July 4, surpassing the previous record set before Tony Blair’s 1997 victory for Labour.
PA Media contributed to this report.
