Sarah Vine and Michael Gove
(Picture: PA)Michael Gove’s ex-wife Sarah Vine says her “ulterior motive” in life was to make sure he never became Prime Minister.
The newspaper columnist, 54, also appeared to deny the Cabinet minister had an affair sparking the end of their relationship, saying his only “mistress” was work.
Ms Vine and Mr Gove made headlines last summer when they announced they were divorcing after 20 years of marriage. They have two children together.
Despite supporting the housing secretary, 54, throughout his 16-year political career, she told Tatler she never wanted him to get the keys to 10 Downing Street.
“My ulterior motive throughout my entire life was to stop my husband being prime minister because I can’t think of anything worse,” Ms Vine admitted.
On rumours her husband had an affair, the outspoken columnist told the magazine: “The mistress wins in the end.
“It’s all about making sure she is happy.
“In my case, despite all the rumours, his only mistress was politics. That’s what he is in love with. He is genuinely in love with politics.”
Alluding to the impact of Brexit on her marriage, Ms Vine - who writes for the Daily Mail - hinted of Mr Gove’s key role in Vote Leave: “My whole life fell away.
“I didn’t speak to many close friends. And that was another huge strain on the marriage. Marriage can take strain, but it cannot take that much.”
Ms Vine said she felt sorry for Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie Johnson, adding: “I do, because no matter what she does she’ll be criticised...
“Oh yes, she knows what she’s doing, she’s got an agenda. She’s very much of that generation.”
The February issue of Tatler is available on newsstands and via digital download on Thursday.
