Ian Hislop teased former Tory Minister Michael Gove on this week's edition of Have I Got News for You
Joining guest hist David Tennant, Ian Hislop and Paul Merton were former Cabinet minister Michael Gove, appearing on the programme for the first time, and comedian Chloe Petts – her fourth appearance.
Reviewing the news stories of the week, the panel looked at the upcoming Makerfield by-election, and the speculation over Andy Burnham’s bid to challenge the Labour leadership if elected. Ian Hislop took the opportunity to remind Michael Gove of his previous Tory leadership attempts.
“A turbulent week in politics I think we can agree?” host David Tennant asked the panel.
“A turbulent week,” Ian Hislop agreed. “I think what we've seen is a large number of members of the cabinet stabbing each other in the back in the hope of becoming leader. Michael…” Hislop said, gesturing towards Gove, who couldn’t help but laugh.
“This is an unprecedented departure from the high standards that have been set by previous governments…” Gove quipped back.
“I mean, how does it feel? You’re in cabinet, you're being polite, you're pretending to support them, then you go out and you stab them in the back… how do you feel?” Hislop asked.
“Well, it obviously depends on whose back you're stabbing. In some cases it's a solemn duty, in other cases it’s a positive pleasure…” Gove replied, grinning.
“You tried to be leader a couple of times, didn’t you? Twice? How did that go?” Hislop asked.
“I came third both times, which is an unmemorable, double humiliation…” Gove replied.
“You did stop Boris being leader once?” Hislop reminded him.
“I did, yes, but as we all I think subsequently know, that was only a temporary alleviation…” Gove replied.
“Yeah, but it was your one good deed in this life…” Hislop joked. “But with Mandelson, I mean people say it's extraordinary how he survived but... I mean, you were sacked and then dismissed, and then you always came back. I mean, there are cockroaches I know who are in awe of your ability… I preferred Cameron’s definition - he said you had one overriding quality - have I got this right? - which was disloyalty?” Hislop continued.
“I think I have many other good qualities as well… perfidy, treachery…” Gove quipped back.
David Tennant also took the opportunity during the episode to play out a viral clip from 2021, of Michael Gove dancing at a nightclub in Aberdeen.
“Nice moves Michael!” Tennant said.
“That's real Northern Soul… that was Aberdeen, not Wigan Casino!” Gove laughed.
“Proper north… does Strictly beckon?” Tennant joked.
“I suspect that actually, probably, ‘sectioning’ beckons rather than Strictly…” Gove joked.
“If only you’d said that years ago…” Hislop quipped.
The panel also had a brief look at the US government’s response to the Hantavirus outbreak, drawing parallels with the UK government’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak in 2020 – and the awarding of PPE contracts. Tennant revealed that the US health department’s response is being led by Dr Brian Christine – a penile implant specialist.
“Having a penile implant specialist leading the Hantavirus response is ridiculous… a bit like allowing an office interior design firm to supply PPE during the pandemic… Michael, any comment on that?” Tennant asked.
“I think that as one looks back the vested sponge of amnesia wipes the slate of memory clean…” Gove responded vaguely, prompting some boos from the live studio audience.
“I don't think anyone's really forgotten though Michael… you're in the House of Lords now, sitting alongside other luminaries like Baroness Mone,” Hislop replied, prompting further boos from the live studio audience. “That’s the reaction I was looking for…” he continued.
“No they’re just pronouncing her name,” Paul Merton quipped.
The panel also looked ahead to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which begins next week. The panel – featuring two Scots in Tennant and Gove - were especially excited and knowledgeable about Scotland’s first appearance in the World Cup since 1998.
“Can anyone remember the Scottish anthem from the 1978 World Cup in Argentina?” Tennant asked the panel.
“We're on the march with Ally’s army. We’re going to the Argentine. It'll really shake them up, when we win the World Cup, cause Scotland are the greatest football team!” Gove answered, reciting the lyrics passionately!
“Do you know, I preferred you talking about ‘levelling up’…” Hislop joked.
“Solid knowledge though…” Tennant pointed out.
“Can I just say at this point that I've always liked experts…” Hislop said, referencing Gove’s comments in the run up to the Brexit vote when he said that the country had had enough of experts.
“England don't seem to have a World Cup anthem this year, apparently – would anyone like to suggest one?” Tennant asked.
“Don’t they still sing the one about the shirt?” Hislop enquired.
“Three Lions on the shirt?” comedian Chloe Petts replied.
“That’s the one,” Hislop responded, laughing.
“I think I've been brought onto this show today to translate football to you… and act as your bouncer in case you go for Michael Gove,” Petts laughed.
Series 71 of Have I Got News For You continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer tonight from 9.00pm, guest hosted by David Tennant.
Photographer Credit: Hat Trick Productions
Note: if you don't like intrusive ads about toe fungus please consider donating to BTJ so that we don't have to run them - there is a donate button in the right hand column or below this if looking on a smartphone.
.
