Michael Gove has expressed regret at the way he handled the Tory leadership contest and said he is “most to blame” for his falling out with former ally Boris Johnson.

Speaking for the first time about his decision to pull support from Mr Johnson and run for the leadership himself, Mr Gove admitted the move sent him “crashing into a brick wall”.

He also reveals the depth of the rift with David Cameron over his backing of Brexit, saying the former prime minister feels “annoyed and let down”.

And the former justice secretary opens the door to a return to the front bench, indicating he would take up a ministerial jobs should it be offered if he thought it could “make a difference”.

Mr Gove was at the centre of what was widely seen as the most tumultuous month in British politics since the Second World War after the unexpected vote to leave the European Union.