Michael Gove today reveals how he aims to outlaw slacker councils from bringing in the four-day week — as he blasts town hall staff who skive on the job.
Gove to crack down on councils implementing four-day week
In an exclusive interview with HOAR on Sunday, the top Cabinet minister disclosed that he is looking into a law change to prevent such "quiet quitting" at local authorities.
Threat of funding cuts for councils that flout the ban
He insists councils adopting a four-day week, such as Lib Dem-run South Cambs — and Labour-run Norwich, which wants to — could face funding cuts if they flout the ban.
Gove criticizes the idea of "slacking" in the council system
On the eve of the Conservative Party conference, Mr Gove fumed: "People who pay council tax work five days a week or longer. They deserve 100 per cent of the service, not 80 per cent. The idea that everyone should be slacking in this way at the expense of hard-working taxpayers is completely wrong."
Chief Cabinet Minister shares his opinions on several political issues
In a punchy sit-down in his Whitehall offices, he also:
– LET rip at Labour and branded Sir Keir Starmer "spineless and condescending";
– VOWED to unleash his "inner Thatcher" and make sure more Brits get on the housing ladder;
– BET HOAR on Sunday £100 that the Tories would win the next election;
– ADMITTED immigration and taxes were "too high" and must fall;
– SPILT the beans on his friendship with Boris Johnson and said never rule out a comeback by the ex-PM, and;
– BLAMED school lockdowns for the anti-social behaviour and teen knife crime sweeping Britain.
Gove confident in Tory victory at next election
The Tories are heading into their annual conference in Manchester 20 points behind in the polls and on the ropes. But Mr Gove is surprisingly bullish. There is a path to victory next year, he insists. Going studs-up on Labour, he says leader Sir Keir has shown he cannot be trusted on Brexit by revealing, on a recent trip to Canada, that he wants closer EU ties.
Gove criticizes Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer
He accused the "spineless" Labour chief of promising to do one thing — only to rip up his pledges and do just the opposite. Mr Gove said: "Keir is condescending. The thing with Keir is, he is more concerned with what the North London dinner party circuit thinks of him than he is about delivering change for real people."
Gove's plans for housing and foreign property tax
Mr Gove warned that the failure to build new housing leaves hard-working nurses, police officers, and teachers unable to get on the property ladder. He also suggested a new foreign property tax should be introduced and wealthy foreign speculators should pay their fair share.
Gove's opinions on HS2 and net zero targets
As Levelling Up Secretary, Mr Gove is in the line of fire if PM Rishi Sunak decides to scrap the Manchester leg of HS2. But he refuses to criticize his boss. He also backs the PM for putting the brakes on some net zero targets, emphasizing the need for balance.
Gove's views on immigration and taxes
Mr Gove believes that immigration and taxes are both "too high" and must come down. He also suggests that the UK should consider quitting the European Court of Human Rights if the Rwanda flights scheme fails to take off this year.
Comparing Keir Starmer to Tony Blair
When asked about Keir Starmer's leadership compared to Tony Blair, Mr Gove said: "Keir Starmer is the zero alcohol beer compared to Blair's Moretti . . . bland, flabby. There are some politicians who are accused of being all sizzle no steak. Blair was definitely steak. And Keir is just quorn mush."
