Gove is seen as minister most effective at pushing through policy. A leading remainer, Ruth Davidson led the Tories to 12 gains in Scotland in 2017

Michael Gove and Ruth Davidson have joined forces to help draw up Tory policy for the next general election in a significant move that brings together two of the leading lights of the Brexit and “remain” campaigns.

The environment secretary and the Conservative leader in Scotland have agreed to front the launch of a think tank called Onward, which will create “retail policies” to appeal to the under-45s who abandoned the Tories at the last election.

The group, which has been given the blessing of Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell, will draw up policies to boost Theresa May’s government and contribute to the Tory manifesto in 2022.

Will Tanner, a former aide to the prime minister, has been recruited as director. The think