Michael Charlie Gove
After Michael Gove’s admission of past cocaine use, I confess I am not sure what line to take. On the one hand, a criminal offence of this type is not to be sneezed at, but on the other I may be slightly prejudiced by the fact that he has always got up my nose anyway. I imagine, however, that most readers will agree that he has made himself look a right Charlie and may have blown his chances of a position of powder. (Shurely “power”? Ed.) Unless, of course, he gets some sort of joint appointment. It’s more likely however that he will be kicked into the long grass.
On a serious note, I think there are huge problems with the way society criminalizes drug users not least because the privileged classes are far less likely to be charged than others guilty of the same offence. I don’t think custodial offences are the right way to deal with drug users, neither do I think that a person like Michael Gove should get off without punishment when others do not.
Given that Mr Gove has admitted to possession and use of a Class A drug it seems not unreasonable for him to be charged by the Police. If he pleads guilty he should perhaps get a suspended sentence but the crime he has committed should be entered on his record, with all that implies for his future job prospects (which are hopefully zero anyway).
UPDATE: Today Chris Grayling admitted to having tried coke once – but he couldn’t get the can up his nose.
Follow @telescoper
In the Dark 