The Environment Secretary said he is the best candidate to take on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Michael Gove told MPs during a private dinner last week he has featured in some of the highest pressure TV debates as he joins the contest. Mr Gove noted in his pitch he has run three Government departments since 2010.
Mr Gove has lead education, justice and environment reforms.
One MP told The Sunday Telegraph: “His pitch was that he could provide unity, vision and grip.
“He spoke of how he had run three government departments and done exciting things in all of them. It was a put down to Raab and Boris.”
Another MP added: “He didn’t criticise the other potential candidates but he was setting out his case having been a very active, reforming cabinet member.”
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The MP said: “He said he was entrusted to do the high-pressure television debates in the referendum campaign, as he would have to do in a general election.”
Mr Gove noted he has “been part of a winning campaign team” as one MP took it as a ‘I am the best Brexiteer pitch’, according to the paper.
However, Boris Johnson has also said he can defeat both Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn in his candidacy pitch.
The former Foreign Secretary is currently favourite to win the Tory leadership contest.
His plans include initiatives to boost NHS funding, tackle violent crime, ease the housing crisis and improve transport links, The Sun reported.
According to The Sun, Mr Johnson told one MP: “I’m your lifeline. I’m the only candidate in this contest who can defeat both Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn.
“I’ve beaten Labour’s hard-Left twice in the London mayoral elections – and know I can do it on the national stage, too.
“We also need to deliver a proper Brexit to make sure we get all those people back who drifted off to the Brexit party.
“It’s not enough to beat one just Corbyn. We must defeat Nigel Farage, too, if we are to retain power.”
