Michael Gove made ‘solemn pledge’ to David Cameron he would back Remain, new book claims
The revelations mirror his decision to run for PM after originally promising to back Boris Johnson
TORY backstabber Michael Gove broke a “solemn pledge” to back the PM’s campaign to keep Britain in the EU, an explosive new book reveals.
The treacherous Brexiteer promised close pal David Cameron to lend his full support six months before the referendum which cost them their jobs.
He gave his word he would campaign to Remain after spending a Christmas break with the PM and his family at Chequers.
But he dropped his “bombshell” decision to become a Leaver just hours after Mr Cameron fired the starting gun on the campaign, according to a top Number 10 aide.
The full extent of Mr Gove’s treachery are laid bare in the memoirs of Downing Street communications chief Sir Craig Oliver.
His last-minute change-of-mind mirrors his decision to stand for the leadership after promising hot favourite Boris Johnson he would give him a clear run.
An MP said last night: “David believes it was total and utter betrayal by Michael.
“He is deeply hurt by what he said and did – both on a professional and a personal level.
“I don’t think it would have been much of a surprise when Michael did a further about turn a few weeks later and decided to run for the leadership.”
Sir Craig’s book “Unleashing Demons” reveals how Mr Gove and his family spent a festive break with the Camerons at their official country retreat in Buckinghamshire.
The former Justice Secretary’s wife, journalist Sarah Vine, is said to have also re-assured the PM that the referendum “wouldn’t be an issue” that came between them.
The Tory MP added: “The Goves and the Camerons had always been quite close.
“It was a lovely family get gathering and on the couple of occasions that the issue of Europe was raised, he was re-assured that it wouldn’t be an issue.
“It came as a complete bombshell when Michael decided to lead the Brexit campaign.
“David feels he has been badly let down and sees it as a personal betrayal.”
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Last night friends of Mr Gove denied he made any "vow" to the PM over which side he would take in the Brexit debate.
One ally said: "He is clear he didn't give any such vow. Indeed, quite the opposite.
"Michael had a meeting with David before Christmas in which he said it was up to him to get the deal that would be right for Britain.
"He told him quite firmly that, as a friend, he believed he needed to get a good deal on migration.
"When it became clear that the Prime Minister had failed on that issue and he took what was clearly a different position on our EU membership and others, Michael decided to follow what he thought was the right course for Britain.
"But to be clear, there was never any promise or vow in advance to support staying in before any agreement was reached with the EU."
Mr Cameron and Mr Gove have barely spoken since the fall-out over the referendum, the book reveals.
A source said: "They have not spoken since Christmas and the last few months have just put the relationship into deep freeze."