Allies of Michael Gove are plotting to install him as prime minister if Theresa May resigns or is forced out of office this week.

Friends of the environment secretary are touting him as a possible caretaker PM in the event the Tory party chooses to avoid an immediate leadership contest.

Those close to Gove have for months been mapping out a formal leadership bid and discussing policy ideas for his premiership, but he has kept this activity under wraps as he sought to rebuild a reputation for loyalty.

The 51-year-old is the cabinet’s most senior Brexiteer and restored his status as a favourite to succeed May with a passionate 10-minute defence of her after Labour’s vote of no confidence in January.

Mel Stride, a Treasury