Electoral Dysfunction Live: Gove Reveals How He Discovered Sunak Was Calling an Early Election

The political landscape in the UK is ever-evolving, and the recent live show of Sky’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast has provided a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of government decisions. The inaugural episode, held in London, featured former cabinet minister Michael Gove as the first guest, joining hosts Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, and Harriet Harman. Gove, who has recently stepped down from his seat in Surrey Heath—now held by the Liberal Democrats—offered a candid perspective on the events leading up to the early election called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Build-Up to the Election Announcement

During the podcast, Gove recounted the atmosphere leading up to the election announcement. He noted that there were "mounting rumours the day before" the official call. Various meetings had been cancelled, which raised suspicions among those in the know. Gove expressed his disbelief that these cancellations were due to an impending general election, speculating instead that they might indicate another reshuffle within the government.

However, it was a call he received around lunchtime that solidified his suspicions. Gove was asked to meet with Sunak at 3:45 PM, just before a cabinet meeting scheduled for 4:15 PM. At that moment, he felt a strong sense of certainty—"99%"—that the whispers of an early election were indeed true.

The Cabinet Meeting: A Tense Atmosphere

The meeting before the cabinet was attended by key figures, including then-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, then-Deputy PM Oliver Dowden, then-Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack, and then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. Gove’s insights into this gathering revealed a mix of apprehension and resignation among the attendees. When asked about his thoughts on calling the election early, Gove likened the situation to a friend announcing their engagement. He described the feeling of disbelief and concern, yet the necessity to support the decision: "If a friend tells you that he’s getting married, and you think ‘oh my god, not him, not her,’ but they already say ‘we’ve booked the church,’ you feel you have got to smile and hope for the best."

Interestingly, only Grant Shapps voiced his opposition to the early election, doing so in a "very polite, very measured way." However, the mood shifted during the main cabinet meeting, where dissent was more pronounced. Figures like then-Common Sense Minister Esther McVey and then-Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris expressed their reservations, indicating a broader unease about the decision.

Reflections on the Election’s Timing

In hindsight, Gove reflected on the implications of calling the election early. He acknowledged that many members of the cabinet, including himself, were likely to lose their seats regardless of when the election was held. This candid admission highlights the precarious position of the Conservative Party at that time, grappling with internal divisions and public discontent.

Gove’s comments also shed light on the resilience of politicians like Grant Shapps, whom he believes will "bounce back" regardless of the election’s outcome. This perspective underscores the unpredictable nature of political careers and the enduring spirit of those who navigate the tumultuous waters of British politics.

Conclusion

The first live episode of Electoral Dysfunction not only provided a platform for Michael Gove to share his experiences but also offered listeners a rare insight into the decision-making processes within the UK government. As the political landscape continues to shift, Gove’s reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those in power. For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of electoral politics, the Electoral Dysfunction podcast promises to be an engaging and informative resource.

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