Michael Gove says 'Vote Liberal Democrat'. Sometimes

You've got my vote, Vince

Hmm.

I wonder if Michael Gove meant to be quite as frank as this about the suggestion that voters should back the Lib Dems where they are the main challengers to Labour.

Mr Gove was in the Commons, debating cuts in Education Maintenance Allowance, and was challenged about the situation in Hull.

Mr Gove said:

"In Hull, Liberal Democrat-controlled Hull, any student in receipt of Education Maintenance Allowance also gets a travel grant to cope with the full cost.

"Well they won't if a Labour council takes power, I suspect. But if they're wise enough to vote Liberal Democrat at the next local elections in Hull, or for the Conservatives in any seat where we are well-placed to defeat Labour, then they will have a council that is fulfilling its statutory duty.

"And it's no surprise that there are Liberal Democrat and Conservative councils that are ensuring that all students receive the support that they deserve."

It's a finely nuanced comment, but it comes days after Oldham…