Speaking from Westminster, the Environment Secretary claimed he was “sure” he will face Boris Johnson in the final stage of the fight for the role of Conservative Party leader and UK Prime Minister. At his campaig launch earlier today Mr Gove appeared confident in his ability to deliver on Brexit and any future endeavours as the leader of the country and sent a strong message to his number one rival.

He said: “Every time I’ve been given a job that I’ve been told it’s impossible, I have delivered.

“Let me say this, if I get through, which I’m sure I will actually, to the final two against Mr Johnson, this is what I will say to him.

“Mr Johnson, whatever you do, don’t pull out.

“I know you have before and I know you may not believe in your heart that you can do it.

“But the Conservative Party membership deserve a choice.”

Every time I’ve been given a job that I’ve been told it’s impossible, I have delivered

Michael Gove

The campaign of the Tory frontbencher, 51,  hit a rocky start after a disastrous weekend in which he was forced to admit his “regret” for using cocaine when he was a journalist over 20 years ago.

The under-fire candidate has been accused of “hypocrisy” by other leadership candidates.

His admission to drug use has dominated front-page headlines for the last 48 hours.

He said: “I am very, very conscious that the mistake I made was not one I want would want anyone else to make.

“It was a crime. It was a mistake. I deeply regret it.”

In his speech on Monday, Mr Gove said that he would be prepared to delay Bexit if talks were progressing.

He said: “Yes, I would be willing to delay, for a day, or a week, or whatever is required, in order to get that deal over the line if we were making progress.”

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