By Lucy Caulkett-

He told BBC Radio 4’s The World At One he should have “paused and reflected before backing Mr Johnson” or stuck with him after making the decision.

Referring to Mr Johnson as “phenomenally talented” Gove said Theresa May was the right choice as party leader and PM.

Gove revealed that his campaign for Brexit during the EU referendum has affected his relationship with the former Prime Minister David Cameron.

He told The World at One they had not spoken for “some time” since, following reports that they are no longer on amicable terms.And Michael Gove, who was heavily criticised for back- stabbing the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said he believes he made the right decision.

He said: “I think he’s been a success as foreign secretary. He’s had some criticism from some on the way he’s handled Russia, Syria and so on. I think he’s been right.” This sounded like Gove trying to correct the bitterness his last minute elimination of Johnson had, and the effect on his reputation too. It is certainly too early to tell whether Mr Johnson has been successful as Foreign Secretary- for goodness sake, he has only been on the job a few  months. Gove’s compliments sound like they were designed to make up for his decision to stand against Johnson.

Boris Johnson still has a while to demonstrate his competence  in a job he was very fortunate to get, though he definitely has the intellectual capability to deliver. Already he has committed some blunders, not worthy of repeating here, and which on its own may not predict how successful he will be in this job.

 Gove’s wife- a journalist- had warned her husband to be careful of Boris Johnson, and ensure Johnson will give him a suitable post before backing him. A woman’s intuition is often very powerful, but it could also be wrong and destructive.

She may have been right in this case, as we will never know. What we do know what that Boris Johnson was expected to send a tweet confirming his nod of approval for Team Leadsome in Boris Johnson’s new Cabine if became prime minister, and when that tweet never came, Gove put himself forward, pushing Johnson out in the process. Upon reflection, Gove regrets

Mr Gove said those who accused Mr Johnson of backing the Leave campaign to further his own career were wrong, adding: “He decided to do what he thought was right for the country.” He admitted that they both found it difficult to tell Mr Cameron they were going to campaign against him over Brexit, he added. Inexcusable, he should have stood up for principle and communicated ith the prime minister on such an important topic. Perhaps he has paused and reflected that that decision was wrong.

Mr Gove also said that with hindsight Mrs May was “the right leader at the right time” and that “if the chance came to serve again” in the cabinet, he would “happily say yes”, adding that he is “very happy” on the back benches and would be standing again at the next election as MP for Surrey Heath, which he has represented since 2005.

What Michael Gove did not say is whether he has paused and reflected that his decision to go for prime minister after betraying Boris Johnson at the last minute, was stupid.