Michael Gove ‘leaves son at hotel to go to party’

The former Education Secretary is reported to have defended his act

Mr Gove and his wife, Sarah Vine, said their son had said he would rather stay in and watch TV (Getty)

Michael Gove and his wife left their young son at a bed and breakfast into the early hours of the morning while they attended a party, it has been reported.

The 11-year-old is said to have preferred to stay in and watch TV rather than go to the function.

Government guidelines advise that children under 12 are not left alone for a long period of time and if they are harmed in their absence parents can be prosecuted. However, the boy, described by a spokesman for Mr Gove as being mature, was left under the supervision of staff.

Mr Gove, the former Education Secretary and chief whip, notoriously launched a failed bid to lead the Tory party in the wake of the referendum that saw him betray his Brexit ally, Boris Johnson.

After keeping a low profile since the debacle the MP, 48, stepped out earlier this month with journalist wife Sarah Vine to attend the event celebrating the end of the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

According to the Sunday Mirror they entrusted staff at the £250-a-night guesthouse to look after the youngster, returning at 1.30am the following morning.

Later that day comedian Dom Joly tweeted: “Amazing party at 131TheProm celebrating end of Chelt Lit Fest – only slightly ruined by the sight of the loathsome Michael Gove dancing...”

A spokesman for the family told the Sunday Mirror: “Michael and Sarah's son is a mature and confident secondary school pupil. He preferred to watch TV rather than go out to dinner.

“He was perfectly fine and staff at the 13-room hotel were happy to supervise.

“The hotel where Michael, Sarah and their son were staying would know how to get in touch with them if anything distressing had occurred.”