Michael Gove was late to an interview with the Today Programme on tackling pollution because his car was stuck in traffic
Mr Gove's department defended his move by saying he took his low-emission hybrid car and not the Jaguar limo
MICHAEL Gove was left red faced yesterday after being late for a BBC interview on tackling pollution because his car was stuck in traffic.
The Environment Secretary missed the start of his primetime slot on Radio 4’s flagship Today programme because his government car was still crawling through London’s gridlocked streets.
Mr Gove was trying to promote a new ban on plastic straws in a bid to clean out polluted rivers and oceans.
Green Party boss Caroline Lucas leaped on the gaffe to ask why he had not made the simple journey to the BBC’s Oxford Circus HQ by public transport.
Ms Lucas said: “Maybe Gove should ditch the ministerial car next time and catch a bus?
“And maybe his department should spend a bit less time patting themselves on the back and a bit more focusing on cleaning up the filthy air that’s damaging our kids lungs.”
The embarrassment follows Mr Gove being snapped drinking from a disposable coffee cup earlier this year having just mounted a tirade against them.
Central London traffic has been reduced to a standstill this week because of the arrival of 52 world leaders from across the Commonwealth.
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A major security operation to protect the presidents and prime ministers has seen multiple road closures and vehicle checks.
Environment department officials insisted Mr Gove does not use the usual Jaguar limo afforded to other Cabinet ministers, but a low emission vehicle instead.
Mr Gove’s ministerial car is a Ford Mondeo hybrid.
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