Cabinet minister Gove joins Tory exodus before British election

Key Brexit-backer’s seat is part of what’s known as Blue Wall of safe Tory districts

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British Cabinet minister Michael Gove said he is standing down as a Member of Parliament, adding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's struggles during the opening days of campaigning ahead of the July 4 general election.

While Mr Gove, 56, said he still supported Mr Sunak, he argued that the toll of being a politician meant it was time for "a new generation" to lead.

The key Brexit backer joins a growing exodus of almost 80 Tories who have said they are quitting at the election, exceeding the departures ahead of Labour's landslide victory in 1997.

His departure will heap scrutiny on Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who represents nearby South West Surrey and is facing a similar uphill re-election fight.

Mr Gove's decision comes at a critical time for Mr Sunak and the ruling Conservatives as they try to narrow the 20-point gap to Mr Keir Starmer's opposition Labour Party.

Mr Sunak shocked Westminster by calling a summer election - he spent months indicating he would wait till autumn- but his campaign has got off to a stuttering start and drawn open criticism from across his party.

The steady stream of Conservative MPs opting to quit rather than fight the election is adding to the challenge.