NOW GOVE QUITS SUNAK'S SINKING SHIP

Tory stalwart abandons PM to join exodus of MPs standing down

- JOHN STEVENS and LIZZY BUCHAN

MICHAEL Gove last night became the latest Tory MP to desert Rishi Sunak's washed-out party.

Andrea Leadsom also said she would not stand at the election.

Mr Sunak was asked if he was in charge of a sinking ship.

Labour's deputy Angela Rayner vowed to fight the poll for "the next generation". She said: “I’m fighting this election for my kids and your kids.”

Mr Gove, who has served under four PMs, and Ms Leadsom brought the number of Tories quitting to 80.

Housing Secretary Mr Gove , 56, who has been the MP for Surrey Heath since 2005, said in a letter to the chairman of his local party last night: “I know the toll office can take, as do those closest to me. No one in politics is a conscript. We are volunteers who choose our fate.

“And the chance to serve is wonderful. But there comes a moment when you know that it is time to leave. That a new generation should lead.”

The Lib Dems, who are targeting Mr Gove’s seat, accused him of “running scared”.