Michael Gove faces a backlash from senior Tories who have accused him of using cabinet meetings to “audition” to be the next chancellor.
The environment secretary has angered cabinet colleagues by straying beyond his brief in what is regarded as an attempt to persuade the prime minister to give him Philip Hammond’s job.
He is understood to have made a lengthy contribution on the economy two weeks ago, including references to the obscure Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, which governs companies who provide services relating to shares, bonds and investments.
At the most recent meeting, on Tuesday, Mr Gove again made a point of using “lots of long, economicky words”, according to two people present.
“He was the only one auditioning,” a cabinet source said.
