MICHAEL GOVE was appointed as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in 2019.
But what else do we know about the 53-year-old politician?
Who is Michael Gove?
Michael Gove was born in Edinburgh in 1967 and brought up in Aberdeen.
Gove was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in Boris Johnson’s new Cabinet two years ago.
He worked as a journalist upon leaving Oxford university, writing for local and national newspapers and appearing on radio and TV.
He worked at The Times, writing a weekly column for the newspaper.
He has a son, William, and daughter, Beatrice.
Gove was elected as an MP for Surrey Heath in 2005.
He went on to become Secretary of State for Education in 2010, Chief Whip in 2014 and Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice in 2015, before he was dismissed by Theresa May.
Following the 2017 General Election he was brought back with his appointment as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
What is his role in the Cabinet?
The primary role of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is to provide income for the queen – the role includes administering the estates and rents of the Duchy of Lancaster, but doesn’t actually play much of a role in the day-to-day management of the estates of the royals.
Key aspects of the job include, advising the PM on developing and implementing government policy, driving forward government business and implementation including chairing and deputy chairing Cabinet, committees and implementation taskforces.
Another key role of the job is overseeing devolution consequences of EU exit and overseeing constitutional affairs and maintaining the integrity of the Union.
Under Boris Johnson as PM, Gove was instructed to “turbo-boost” plans for a no-deal Brexit.
Along with Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid, Gove was tasked with pouring his full efforts into Brexit negotiations.
Is Michael Gove married?
Michael Gove married Sarah Vine, a columnist for the Daily Mail, in 2001.
She was believed to be influential in steering her husband’s political career.
Sarah came out in favour of Leave in the UK referendum on EU membership.
But it has been revealed that the pair have decided to split up after 20 years of marriage.
Friends said the pair had drifted apart and there was no one else involved in the split.
A spokesperson for the couple said this evening: “Michael and Sarah have agreed to separate and they are in the process of finalising their divorce.
“They will continue to support their two children and they remain close friends.
“The family politely ask for privacy at this time and will not be providing any further comment.”
The pair have two children together.
