Michael Gove has declared himself “the candidate for change” as he set out his pitch to become Conservative leader and prime minister.
In a clear attempt to draw contrasts with his main rival Home Secretary Theresa May – who on Thursday portrayed herself as an unshowy politician who would “get the job done” – Mr Gove said that the challenges facing Britain required “not just a cool head, but a heart burning with the desire for change … not business as usual but a bold vision”.
He said that after last week’s referendum vote for Brexit, the new prime minister must be someone who fought on the Leave side – effectively ruling out Mrs May, who was part of the Remain campaign, even though her contributions to it were notably low-key.
Speaking at a campaign launch a day after his dramatic declaration of his candidacy forced Boris Johnson out of the race to succeed David Cameron, Mr Gove said he stood by all of the promises made by Vote Leave during the referendum contest.
“I will ensure we honour the instructions the British people have given us,” said the Justice Secretary. “I argued for specific changes in the referendum campaign, I believe in them, I will deliver them.
“The promise to leave the European Union, end the supremacy of EU law and take back control of our democracy. With my leadership, it will be delivered.
“The promise to take back control of our borders. I will end free movement, introduce an Australian-style points-based system for immigration, and bring numbers down. With my leadership, it will be delivered.
“The promise to use the money we currently send to Brussels and invest it instead on the priorities of the British people – principally in the NHS – and to cut VAT on domestic fuel. With my leadership, it will be delivered.”
