Gove Says Standing For Tory Leadership Out Of Conviction
July 01 2016 - 4:36AM
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Michael Gove, a surprise candidate for the Tory Leadership and
new U.K. Prime Minister, said Friday that he was in the fray out of
conviction.
In a speech made to make his case for the top position, Gove
said, "I had to stand up for my convictions."
The Justice Secretary, who campaigned for the U.K. to leave the
European Union, surprised many on Thursday when he threw his hat
into the ring, after repeatedly saying that he did not want to
become the PM.
He was widely expected to back former London Mayor and lead
"Leave" campaigner Boris Johnson, who bowed out of the race after
the former's surprise bid.
In the June 23 referendum, 52 percent of Britons voted to leave
the EU.
A day after, Prime Minister David Cameron, who had passionately
campaigned for the country to remain in the EU, said he will step
down in October and the exit negotiations should take place under a
new PM.
The U.K. needed a leader who both believed in a new path and who
could build and lead a united team to guide through the challenges
ahead, Gove said.
"I believed that Boris Johnson - who had campaigned alongside me
with such energy and enthusiasm - could build and lead that team,"
he said.
"...But I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's
formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task."
The days ahead will not be easy for the U.K., Gove said, adding
that he will be guided by principle and govern as "captain of a
team".
"This country voted for change - and I am going to deliver it,"
Gove said.
"...I am the candidate for change."
The Conservative politician noted that he has been driven by
conviction, and not ambition, throughout his career. He also
claimed to have "the burning desire to transform" the country.
Elsewhere on Friday, the BBC reported, citing sources, that
ministers are urging Gove to withdraw from the race and allow the
party to unite behind Home Secretary Theresa May, a "Remain"
campaigner.
However, Gove said, "The best person to lead Britain out of the
European Union is someone who argued to get Britain out of the
European Union."
"That is best for the country - to retain the trust of millions
of voters -and it is best for the Conservative party too," he
added.
Thus far, most of the 329 Tory members of parliament have backed
May, signaling that she is likely to remain in the lead ahead of
the first round of voting next Tuesday. The winner will be
announced on September 9.
Others who are in the race are the Works and Pensions Secretary
Stephen Crabb, former defence secretary Liam Fox, and "Leave"
campaigner and junior minister Andrea Leadsom.
By leading the U.K. out of the EU, Gove promised to end free
movement and to introduce an Australian-style points-based system
for immigration, and bring numbers down.
He also asserted that the money currently being contributed to
Brussels will be channeled mainly to the NHS and to cut VAT on
domestic fuel.
Responding to reporters, Gove said the Article 50 of the Treaty
of EU that governs the exit process is unlikely to be triggered
before the end of this year.
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