Michael Gove was fighting last night to save his campaign to become prime minister as he faced charges of hypocrisy over his use of cocaine before he entered politics.
The environment secretary pleaded for a second chance, admitting that his past “mistake” was a crime for which he could have gone to prison.
He faced suggestions of double standards after it was recalled that as education secretary he oversaw government regulations under which teachers could be banned from the profession for life if they were convicted of Class A drug abuse.
He also faced questions over whether he had lied on US visa entry forms, which ask visitors to disclose whether they have broken any drug laws.
Mr Gove was branded a hypocrite when it…
