Michael Gove: from 'shy green' to 'full-throated environmentalist'?

Many feared what the MP would do when he became environment secretary this year - but he has pleasantly surprised his critics

Michael Gove has transformed from a "shy green" into a "full-throated environmentalist", according to close allies who have said the Conservative MP has been heavily affected by his latest ministerial brief.

Howls of protest made by green groups, commentators and political opponents when Theresa May decided, in June this year, to elevate the high-profile Brexiter to environment secretary were slowly being proven wrong, they claim.