Replace Theresa May with Michael Gove, says top Tory donor
Environment Secretary emerging as frontrunner to succeed prime minister and unite Tories
Michael Gove should replace Theresa May as prime minister, a major Tory party donor has publically stated.
Crispin Odey, a hedge fund manager who backed the Leave campaign, said May had shown she cannot “carry Brexit through” and claimed only the environment secretary had the skills to make a success of Britain’s exit from the EU and appeal to voters.
“He’s the only minister who is still being a minister,” Odey said. “Michael has got lots of attributes that make him a non-traditional Tory. He is very aware that he has to appeal not just to the wealthy, but also more broadly”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The intervention is “a stark sign of the frustration among prominent Brexit supporters over the government’s handling of negotiations with the EU”, says The Guardian, which reports a growing sense both within the Tory party and across Westminster that the former Vote Leave figurehead is the best placed minister to deliver a successful Brexit and lead the party out of its current malaise.
Last month Gove spoke at the opening of a new progressive conservative think tank, Onward, alongside Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who has also been widely talked up as a future leader of the Tory party.
This led many to position the pair as a “Tory dream ticket”, and speculate that they had struck a deal to install Gove as an interim prime minister before making way for Davidson in time for the 2022 general election.
Last month, The Sun said as many as 30 MPs were trying to gather support for the “plot”.
It represents a remarkable turnaround for Gove, says the BBC . His botched attempt to succeed David Cameron after the referendum was widely condemned, but he has since enjoyed something of a renaissance as environment secretary.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
In what countries is assisted dying legal or in consideration for being made legal?
In the spotlight More countries are granting more people the right to die
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
5 captivating books to read in May
the week recommends Brittney Griner tells her own story, a coming-of-middle-age novel and more
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
The secretive practice of 'catch-and-kill' tabloid journalism
The Explainer Outlets such as the National Enquirer have become infamous for using the practice
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Rishi Sunak's legacy: how the PM will be remembered
The Explainer 'Accidental prime minister' started with the 'weakest hand' of any British leader in the modern era
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
How will honeytrap scandal change Westminster?
Today's Big Question Security procedures laid bare by spear phishing attack as focus shifts to 'political insider' being responsible
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Farewell to Theresa May: a PM consumed by Brexit
Talking Point Maidenhead MP standing down at next general election
By The Week UK Published
-
Britain's biggest political donors
The Explainer With the 2024 general election set to be the highest-spending contest ever we look at who is giving to which party and why
By The Week UK Published
-
Can Boris Johnson save Rishi Sunak?
Today's Big Question Former PM could 'make the difference' between losing the next election and annihilation
By The Week UK Published