MICHAEL GOVE has blown the race for the Tory leadership wide open by announcing he will stand.
The Scot has delivered a potentially fatal blow to Boris Johnson's bid to grab the Conservative crown by splitting the Brexit camp. It will also have boosted Theresa May's bid, who will now present herself as the unity candidate.
READ MORE: Michael Gove apologises for 'inappropriate' Nazi comparison remarks
In a shock statement, the Justice Secretary said he did not believe Mr Johnson could "provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead".
The leadership bid comes one day after the wife of Michael Gove apparently urged her husband to play hardball with his fellow Brexiter Mr Johnson before making any promises of support in an email she inadvertently sent to a member of the public.
READ MORE: Crabb presents himself as One Nation candidate as May and Johnson prepare to enter Tory fray
Sarah Vine said the Justice Secretary must secure a specific guarantee about his future before making any deal. “Without that,” she warned, “you have no leverage…Do not concede any ground. Be your stubborn best. Good luck."
Boris Johnson, Theresa May, Liam Fox and Scots-born cabinet minister Stephen Crabb have already throw their into the ring.
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