‘Candidate for change’ Michael Gove opens his campaign for prime minister

Michael Gove has declared himself “the candidate for change” as he set out his pitch to become Britain’s 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 Ms May, who was part of the Remain campaign, even though her contributions to it were notably low-key.