Current affairs News Politics & Social issues

Michael Gove criticises David Cameron’s Etonian inner circle of advisers

Michael Gove criticises David Cameron’s Etonian inner circle of advisers

The education secretary, Michael Gove has criticised the UK government for the “preposterous” number of Etonions in the Prime Minister’s inner circle.

Gove commented that four people in the exclusive group all went to the same private school, Eton, and describes the expensively educated inner circle as “ridiculous”.

“It doesn’t make me feel personally uncomfortable, because I like each of the individuals concerned,” he told the Financial Times.

“But it’s ridiculous. I don’t know where you can find a similar situation in any other developed economy.”

As well as Etonian David Cameron, chief of staff Ed Llewellyn and minister for government policy Oliver Letwin, were also educated at the college.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Gove opposed that money can still buy education that leads to opportunities for top jobs in Britain.

“I don’t blame any of the individuals concerned…But it’s a function of the fact that, as we pointed out a couple of years ago, more boys from Eton went to Oxford and Cambridge than boys eligible for free school meals,” he said.

Labour politician and shadow cabinet office minister Jon Ashworth said the conservatives are “out of touch”.

“It’s up to David Cameron who he puts into top jobs, and the fact is that the prime minister has chosen to surround himself with people just like himself. He’s leading a Government that’s completely out of touch,” he said.

Eton College that has annual fees of up to £33,270, has produced 19 prime ministers, including David Cameron.

Vanessa Smart

More in Current Affairs

Understanding Interpol notices and arrest warrants in the UAE

The editorial unit

The role of expert business plan writers in securing funding for startups

The editorial unit

What you need to know about full fibre broadband

The editorial unit

“Chill the VR Out”: YourHaven’s hilarious and heartfelt campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month

The editorial unit

Women of Ireland have rolled over for long enough: The 8th and the long walk to abortion rights

Emma Kiely

Changes to expect during menopause

The editorial unit

Why Equity Linked Savings Schemes is a preferred tax saving?

The editorial unit

How the world’s top designers would rebrand political parties

The editorial unit

Royal baby furore: Proof that the British monarchy is still popular?

Eoin O’Sullivan-Harris