Michael Gove sneaks into Bedford

You would think a top Tory star turning up in a marginal seat would arrive with all the glitz and fanfare of a James Bond premiere.

Instead Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, slipped into Bedford on Friday like a thief in the night.

Mr Gove was invited to speak at a private Conservative Party bash at the Park Inn on Friday evening.

Before that he visited Bedford Free School, in Cauldwell Street, Bedford.  But, he did not turn up until the school had closed for the day and darkness had descended, and was thereby spared having to meet most of the children.

The visit was not announced by the Conservative Party, or the school.  The news had leaked out, rather than being trumpeted.

The teachers’ unions had also heard their favourite hate figure was coming to Bedford, and a small demonstration gathered outside the Park Inn, to give him the traditional welcome.

Graham Tranquada, President of Bedford Trades Council said, “Gove and his cronies are busy destroying state education in this country and he does not even have the courage to defend his convictions.

It won’t be long before him and his Government will have to face us, hopefully for the last time as ministers.”

(Report by Steve Lowe)