Who Is Michael Gove? Age, Biography and Wiki
Michael Andrew Gove, born on August 26, 1967, is a notable figure in British politics, journalism, and literature. Known for his incisive intellect and controversial policies, Gove has served in various capacities in the UK government. As of 2025, he is 57 years old. Gove's career has spanned several influential roles, including Secretary of State for Education and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. His political journey has been marked by both commendation and criticism, especially during significant events such as the Brexit referendum.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1967 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country |
Popularity
Michael Gove's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements can change over time, Michael Gove is generally reported to stand at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight is estimated to be around 165 lbs (75 kg). Gove is known for his typical professional attire and maintains a respectable appearance suitable for his public roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Gove is married to Sarah Vine, a journalist and columnist, since 2001. Together, they have two children. Previous speculations about Gove's personal life have occasionally circulated in the media, but he has largely maintained a low profile regarding his family matters. As of 2025, he continues to enjoy a solid relationship with his wife, preferring to keep their family life private.
At the age of four months he was adopted by a couple in Aberdeen, Ernest and Christine Gove, by whom he was brought up. After he joined the Gove family, Logan's name was changed to Michael Andrew Gove. His adoptive father, Ernest, operated EE Gove and Sons, a fish processing business at Aberdeen Harbour in Torry.
Established by Ernest's father, the business was sold by Ernest in the 1980s. Gove's adoptive mother, Christine, was a lab assistant at the University of Aberdeen, later working at the Aberdeen School for the Deaf.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Michael Gove's estimated net worth is around £3 million. This wealth accumulation can be attributed to his extensive career in politics as well as his work as a journalist and author. Gove's various roles within the government have also afforded him a substantial salary, which has contributed to his financial standing over the years.
The position came with a £30,000 pay cut, and a specific media role saw Gove on television and radio "more than a traditional Chief Whip would be".
He missed his first House of Commons vote in the new role, as explained by Shadow Commons Leader Angela Eagle; "Gove not only lost his first vote but managed to get stuck in the toilet in the wrong lobby". Gove remained in the post of chief whip until May 2015, when the role was taken over by Mark Harper.
Career, Business and Investments
Gove started his career as a journalist and has made significant contributions to various major news outlets in the UK. His transition into politics garnered attention, especially during his time as the Secretary of State for Education, where he implemented several educational reforms that sparked widespread debate. Following his retirement from politics, he has engaged in several writing projects and participated in public speaking events. Gove is known to invest in writing and media ventures, thus keeping him relevant in the public sphere.
After university, when applying for a job at the Conservative Research Department, Gove was told he was "insufficiently political" and "insufficiently Conservative", so he turned to journalism. He first found employment on the Peterborough column of The Daily Telegraph, after passing an interview with Max Hastings.
Struggling to maintain his career in London, he moved back to Aberdeen and became a trainee reporter at The Press and Journal, where he spent several months on strike in the 1989–1990 dispute over union recognition and representation.
From 1990 to 1991, he worked as a reporter for Scottish Television, with a brief interlude at Grampian Television in Aberdeen.
Social Network
Michael Gove maintains an active presence on social media platforms. His official profiles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn share insights into his current projects, political opinions, and personal reflections. Gove's social media engagement allows him to connect with followers, politicians, and journalists, reflecting his ongoing interest and influence in public discourse.
Born in Aberdeen, Gove was in care until being adopted aged four months old, after which he was raised in the Kittybrewster area of the city. He attended the independent Robert Gordon's College and studied English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.
He then began a career as a journalist at The Press and Journal before having a long tenure as a leader writer at The Times. Elected for Surrey Heath at the 2005 general election, he was appointed Secretary of State for Education in the Cameron–Clegg coalition.
He terminated the previous Labour government's Building Schools for the Future programme, reformed A-Level and GCSE qualifications in favour of final examinations, and responded to the Trojan Horse scandal. Four teachers unions passed motions of no confidence in his policies at their 2013 conferences.
In the 2014 cabinet reshuffle, he was moved to the post of Government Chief Whip. Following the 2015 general election and the formation of the majority Cameron government, Gove was promoted to Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor.
As the co-convenor of Vote Leave, Gove was seen, along with fellow Conservative MP Boris Johnson, as one of the most prominent figures of the 2016 referendum on EU membership.
He was campaign manager for Johnson in the 2016 Conservative Party leadership election but withdrew his support on the morning Johnson was due to declare and announced his own candidacy, finishing behind Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom.
Education
Gove received his education at the prestigious Keble College, Oxford, where he studied History. His academic background has significantly influenced his career's direction, enabling him to articulate complex historical and political scenarios effectively. Gove’s education has provided a strong foundation for his work as a politician, journalist, and author.
Gove joined the Labour Party in 1983 and campaigned on behalf of the party for the 1983 general election. Outside of school, he spent time as a Sunday school teacher at Causewayend Church. As he entered sixth year he had to apply for a scholarship as his family fell on difficult economic circumstances. He passed the scholarship exam and served as a school prefect in his final two years.
