Michael Gove's wife expresses doubts about Boris Johnson's leadership in leaked email

Michael Gove has expressed doubts about the candidacy of Boris Johnson to be Conservative leader and prime minister of the United Kingdom, as revealed by a leaked email that was mistakenly sent from his wife to a third party.

Sarah Vine, Gove's wife and columnist for the Daily Mail, appears to suggest tactical decisions to the prominent Remain campaigner and current justice minister, leading to her crowning of the title "Lady Macbeth" on Twitter.

Gove and former London mayor Johnson ran a successful campaign for the UK to leave its position as a member state of the European Union in last week's historic referendum, but now Gove's concerns have been made public.

In the email, which was passed to Sky News by a member of the public, Vine says that it is "very important that we focus on the individual obstacles and thoroughly overcome them before moving to the next.

"I really think Michael needs to have a Henry or a Beth (Mr Gove's media advisers, also copied into the email) with him for this morning's crucial meetings."

"One simple message: You MUST have SPECIFIC assurances from Boris OTHERWISE you cannot guarantee your support. The details can be worked out later on, but without that you have no leverage."

Vine also mentions the editor of the Daily Mail Paul Dacre, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and suggests that they have an important role to play in the leadership race.

"Crucially, the membership will not have the necessary reassurance to back Boris, neither will (Daily Mail editor Paul) Dacre/(Rupert) Murdoch, who instinctively dislike Boris but trust your ability enough to support a Boris Gove ticket."

"Do not concede any ground. Be your stubborn best. GOOD LUCK."

Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite to become the next prime minister after David Cameron resigned following the referendum defeat last Thursday, but has not officially announced his candidacy yet.