Michael Gove expresses regret over 2016 Boris Johnson leadership bid sabotage

In a 2026 interview with Sky News marking 10 years since the Brexit referendum, Michael Gove expressed regret over his decision to publicly oppose Boris Johnson's leadership bid following David Cameron's resignation. During the July 2016 Conservative leadership race, Gove declared Johnson "cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead," effectively ending Johnson's campaign before it began. Gove admitted he should have kept his concerns private to support the Leave campaign's unity. Johnson subsequently withdrew, endorsing Andrea Leadsom, who later dropped out, leaving Theresa May as the sole candidate. Gove acknowledged Johnson was the "senior partner" in the Leave campaign but cited Johnson's "fundamental unseriousness" as his reason for intervening. The interview was part of Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast special.