Michael Gove tries to play down row as he calls on Tories to be ‘warriors for dispossessed’

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Michael Gove today called on the Conservatives to be “warriors for the dispossessed” as he unveiled his pitch to be Prime Minister.

In a deeply personal speech, the Environment Secretary vowed to put “overlooked families and undervalued communities” at the heart of his premiership if he gains the keys to No 10.

Mr Gove, who was adopted at an early age, believes every individual must be given the chance to “flourish” and to be the “authors of their own life stories”.

While supporting lower taxes, the Cabinet minister does not see tax cuts for the better-off as the right priority at this time. He was today seeking to prevent his bid for the Tory leadership being derailed by the shock revelation that he had used cocaine.

Before revealing more details about his platform to be Prime Minister this afternoon, his campaign announced a list of donations, including from the boss of Next.

However, two leading Brexiteers piled pressure on Mr Gove over his cocaine admission. When asked whether Mr Gove was a hypocrite for warning, as a journalist, against loosening drugs laws while allegedly hosting a party at around the same time when cocaine was taken by some guests, former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said it does “seem that way”.

Former Commons leader Andrea Leadsom also stressed the harm that drugs caused including fuelling crime and gangs.

However, Mr Gove’s supporters said he deeply regretted having used cocaine on several occasions, that this had happened more than 20 years ago and that he should be judged on his record in Government.

Mr Gove’s campaign revealed it had been boosted by a £150,000 injection of cash from donors including £20,000 from Next boss Lord Wolfson.

“These people are supporting Michael Gove because they know he is ready to unite, ready to deliver and ready to lead,” said a campaign source.

Ms McVey, who has admitted trying marijuana, told ITV’s Good Morning Britain “the public will decide what they think and then equally so will MPs decide. But I think people should look at what Michael Gove has done as a minister and a secretary of state”.

Pressed by Piers Morgan on whether he was a “hypocrite” over a 1999 article he wrote in The Times setting out why he opposed what he called “London’s liberal consensus” on relaxing rules on the use of cocaine and other drugs, Ms McVey added: “Well, what he has written and what he has done, it does seem that way.”

Ms Leadsom, who has admitted using cannabis, told the BBC: “I certainly think that we need to ensure that we continue with our very strict drug policies in this country. It does untold harm to young people not only drug taking but also getting caught up in some of the drug crime and gang crime ... it’s a grave concern for all politicians.”

Former Cabinet minister Nicky Morgan, who is backing Mr Gove to be Tory leader, said: “I really think that past mistakes should not put talented people off politics, particularly at this moment of national crisis.” Asked at the weekend by Andrew Marr whether he was a hypocrite, Mr Gove, left, said: “No. I think anyone can read the article and make their own minds up.”

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