Gove launches Tory leadership bid with swipe at Johnson

Michael Gove is to stand for the Conservative Party leadership, saying he does not believe Boris Johnson can "provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead".

The Justice Secretary said events since last Thursday's EU referendum have "weighed heavily" with him and he has made the decision not to back Mr Johnson "reluctantly".

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Mr Gove's decision to stand as leader comes as a surprise as he has repeatedly said he did not want to be prime minister, and "that has always been my view", he said.

Mr Johnson and Theresa May will formally launch their bids to become Tory leader on Thursday morning, ahead of the 12 noon deadline.

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