Former government minister delivers verdict on Nigel Farage as PM

Politics
6 Aug 2025 • 1:03 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Michael Gove has asserted that Nigel Farage is not a “plausible prime minister” and will not be ready for the role even in four years.
  • The senior Conservative minister praised Farage's communication skills but questioned Reform's team, policies, and programme for effective governance.
  • Gove suggested Reform's recent electoral success is due to being a “repository of anger” against the political classes, rather than offering a compelling vision.
  • He also described Farage as a “bulwark against greater extremism” and recalled helping him resolve an issue with The Times newspaper.
  • Recent polling data indicates that support for Reform has 'topped out', suggesting a potential halt to the party's momentum.

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