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Michael Gove admitted to taking cocaine and the internet had a lot of thoughts

Michael Gove admitted to taking cocaine and the internet had a lot of thoughts

Tory leadership candidate and environment secretary Michael Gove has admitted in an interview with the Daily Mail that he took cocaine 'on several occasions' when he was a young journalist.

The MP said that he took the drug during social gatherings more than 20 years, which is now something that he regrets but hopes that it doesn't harm his attempts to become Tory leader.

I took drugs on several occasions at social events more than 20 years ago. 

At the time I was a young journalist. It was a mistake.  I look back and think, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that’

It was 20 years ago and, yes, it was a mistake. But I don’t believe that past mistakes disqualify you.

Gove has received support from his colleague and fellow candidate hopeful, Dominic Raab who told BBC Radio 4 that he doesn't think the confession should bar Gove from the race.

It's ultimately for MPs and colleagues and members to decide, but I certainly don't see it as barring him from this race in any way.

This news comes just weeks after fellow candidate Rory Stewart admitted to smoking opium when he was travelling in Iran more than a decade ago.

Stewart's confession wasn't greeted with as many raised eyebrows as Gove's, whose position in government and role in Brexit has made him a divisive figure.

With that being said, the internet was quick to mock Gove's attempt for sympathy and forgiveness with jokes.

Others highlighted the bigger problems with Gove's story and how it may have been received if it was said by another MP.

Broadcaster Richard Bacon, who was infamously sacked from his role on Blue Peter in 1998 after it was revealed that he had taken cocaine, didn't hold back with his thoughts on the story.

HT The Poke

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