Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting in London, March 22, 2016. Getty Images/Ben Pruchnie
U.K. Justice Secretary and Brexit campaigner Michael Gove announced Thursday his decision to run for the position of Conservative Party leader and prime minister following the United Kingdom’s vote to exit the European Union.
Gove, who has repeatedly denied he wants to be the prime minister, was expected to stand behind former London mayor Boris Johnson’s bid for the leadership as current Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation following the referendum results.
“I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be prime minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me,” Gove said, adding, “I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.”
Boris Johnson (right) and Michael Gove address workers during a Vote "leave" campaign visit to DCS Manufacturing Group in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, June 6, 2016.Getty Images/Christopher Furlong
