Michael Gove announces bid to be PM saying he’s the Brexiteer who can unite Tories and beat Corbyn

MICHAEL Gove today appeared to be at No10 already as he formally launched his bid to become Prime Minister – claiming he’s the best contender to deliver Brexit.

The Environment Secretary emerged from his London home this morning and confirmed he’ll be a candidate in the Tory leadership race.

He claims he is the better choice over Boris Johnson, insisting he has a stronger track record and is more capable of delivering Brexit and beating Jeremy Corbyn.

He is also pitching himself as the “unity” candidate, with the vision and proven grip over three government departments to help him secure the UK’s departure from the EU.

This morning Mr Gove said: “I can confirm that I will be putting my name forward to be prime minister of this country.

“I believe that I’m ready to unite the Conservative and Unionist Party, ready to deliver Brexit, and ready to lead this great country.”

I believe I’m ready to unite this country

Michael Gove

Asked if he can defeat Boris, he added: “I’m entering this contest because I want to put forward a positive set of ideas about how we can bring our country together.

“I believe I’m ready to unite this country and ready to unite the Conservative and Unionist Party, and I’m looking forward to a contest of ideas.”

Former farming minister George Eustice told The Sunday Times that he will be backing Mr Gove, adding that he has an “eye for detail” that Boris does not.

Mr Gove is reported to have laid out his plans to around ten MPs during a private dinner at the home of new Commons Leader Mel Stride last week.

An MP present at the meal told the Sunday Telegraph: “His pitch was he could provide unity, vision and grip.

“He spoke of how he had run three government departments and done exciting things in all of them.

“It was a put-down to Raab and Boris.”

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