The now fired Gove has been a leading figure in the Conservative Party for decades, having held senior positions within Johnson’s party since his appointment as Education Secretary in 2010. For example, he was ‘Chief Whip’ in parliament, an important leadership position. He was also Minister of Justice and Minister of the Environment.
Earlier Wednesday evening, several leading British ministers were at Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s residence to tell him that he must step down as Prime Minister. Among them would also be the Minister for Wales, Simon Hart. Hart announced late on Wednesday evening through a letter to Johnson that he would resign from his position. Shortly afterwards, Under Secretary of Health Edward Argar also resigned. Many ministers have already resigned from the scandal-stricken government.
‘The last thing this country needs are elections’
England and Wales Attorney General Suella Braverman called on Johnson to resign at the end of Wednesday evening and said she would be the first minister to run against the prime minister for the presidency of the Conservative Party. Braverman made it clear that she did not want to give up her current position.
Johnson has indicated several times in recent days that he does not want to leave. “When I look at the problems this country faces, and also the war in Europe, I don’t see how it is responsible to walk away from it,” he said. “The last thing this country needs is elections.”