Michael Gove

Biography

Michael Gove served in Cabinet across five government departments for more than a decade, from the 2010 Coalition government onwards. He also led the Vote Leave campaign which confounded xpectations by winning the 2016 Brexit referendum. Noted as an adept strategist and media performer, and a particularly effective implementer of policy, he took on some of the most complex, high-profile, and sensitive briefs in government. A first-hand witness to – and major participant in – the biggest domestic political events in recent years, Michael reflects on dealing with change, crises, building exceptional teams and how politics has dramatically changed since the turn of the century.

After being elected as MP for Surrey Heath in 2005, Michael was swiftly elevated to the shadow frontbench before joining David Cameron’s Cabinet in the first Conservative-led government in 13 years. Serving as Secretary of State for Education, he undertook a widespread reorganisation of all aspects of education and schooling. Balancing ambitious policy demands with a relentless focus on delivery, he steered through some of the biggest changes to education in half a century.

Michael went on to serve in the cabinets of three of the four subsequent Prime Ministers, including as Chief Whip, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Secretary of State for Justice, for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Michael’s ministerial responsibilities have stretched from preparing for Brexit to housing reforms and environmental policy to overseeing the government’s Covid-19 response. His is one of the most diverse and significant political careers of recent times and he won a reputation across the political spectrum as the minister who “gets things done”.

During the 2016 referendum, Michael undertook a leading role in the campaign for the UK to leave the EU. A long-standing critic of many aspects of the European project, he played an influential part in perhaps the most consequential event in recent British history.

Michael explores the nature of government; how it works, and sometimes doesn’t. He examines how policymakers tackle complicated, interdependent issues like the environment, access to housing, and inequality. Considering the wider political landscape, he looks at the big trends and shifts at home and around the world and what they say about voters, the media, and politicians.

After his vast and varied experience in government, he also looks at the different strategies and approaches required when change needs to be implemented quickly versus the times when trust and consensus need to be built in order to achieve lasting success.

Before entering frontline politics, Michael was a journalist, author, and commentator. Working at The Telegraph, as well as local newspapers and TV in his native Scotland, he moved to the BBC and then to The Times as a columnist, leader writer, and Assistant Editor. He is the author of acclaimed books including a biography of Michael Portillo, and analyses of the Northern Ireland peace process and of Islamist terrorism.