Once British politicians stop double-crossing each other, a tougher foe looms

Britain's Justice Minister Michael Gove joked that he has no charisma as he outlined his vision as candidate for prime minister July 1. (Reuters)

By Griff Witte and Michael Birnbaum July 1 at 6:27 PM

LONDON — Having vanquished two friends-turned-rivals, the bespectacled Scotsman vying to be Britain’s next prime minister squinted out at his country Friday and etched a shiny vision of the future, one undimmed by the chaos he himself has wrought.

Many celebrated the referendum results Friday, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he will resign after Britons went to the polls the day before.

Britain, Michael Gove said as he pitched himself for the country’s top job, will be a more enterprising and prosperous place now that it has opted to throw off the shackles of the European Union. It will have additional money for health care, one less layer of burdensome regulation and far fewer ­immigrants.

“This country voted for change, and I can deliver it,” the wonkish justice secretary said confidently, a day after ambushing the favorite in the race for prime minister, the former London mayor Boris Johnson, and forcing him from the contest.

But as Gove and other British politicians continue to double-cross each other in their quest to run the country, a far more formidable obstacle looms to the sort of change they seek: the E.U.

[First reviews of Michael Gove’s power play in Britain: Not good]

A week after Britain’s stunning vote to leave the E.U., the battle lines in the monumental exit negotiations to come are clearer than ever. And they don’t favor Britain.

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