Michael Gove - Conservative Shadow Schools and Families Minister - live on Mumsnet this Thursday 29th, 1-2pm

[JustineMumsnet]

Michael Gove is the shadow secretary of state for children, schools and families and a key part of David Cameron's Shadow Cabinet team, responsible for Conservative policy on education and child protection. He is the Tory candidate in Surrey Heath.One of the centrepiece's of the Conservatives election manifesto is allowing parents and other providers to set up schools with state funding, about which there's been lots of discussion on Mumsnet. Other pledges include 10,000 extra university places, allowing state schools to offer the International Baccalaureate and a moratorium on the closure of special schools.Born in Edinburgh in 1967 and brought up in Aberdeen. Before He's married to Times' writer Sarah Vine and they have a son and a daughter, both of primary school age.Please post advance questions for Michael here (and do please read our webchat guidelines if you're not already aware of them).Many thanks.

LOL @ DG calling Nick Clegg a holocaust denying bigot

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I would rather stick pins in my eyes than vote BNP

I'm sure Mr Gove would NEVER refer to Nick Clegg as a holocaust denying racist Oracle.

lolol sorry, this has made me laugh as much as poker face did. What an unexpected joy this web chat has been.

I'm confused...I know everything is his fault at the moment, but really...I think calling NC a bigot is a step too far ;)

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Don't worry 100x - MG has been described as a true neo-conserv. To be fair he is the least of the worries if the Tories get in.

I present you....................George Osbourne

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I thought it was quite persuasive though LadyBB. Essentially by seeking to to overcome any disadvantages children from difficult backgrounds had - so basically cut school holidays etc. Made quite clear that it would not suit all children though.

unexpected joy indeed

I must go and get my train

Why not dump the rest of them MG - they sound like amateurs in comparison to you

Esp. that GO fellow. God almighty

If you're still there Michael, a quick question - if a parent was involved in setting up a school, would this guarantee their child a place at said school? And if not, how would you impose a fair and transparent admission system?

LOL - it took you a while to look that up didn't it!

It was Oracle, Mr Gove.

I think it's all been cleared up now though

The fault is all mine I fear

There you go - you and Nick would go together much better than the other charlatons (Clegg that is not Griffin, just to be clear)

Deafening silence on childcare...

MG didn't call Nick Clegg a "..., ..., bigot", he called Nick Griffin a "..., ..., bigot".

Oracle got her Nick's in a twist. That's what comes of mixing speed-reading and talking/typing about education with small children around, I guess.

Bless, you Oracle, for your shock at being thought a potential BNP voter.

And good response from MG, too. Yes, voting anyone else is better.

I'm laughing too.

I thought at the beginning it said one post per poster. There are a couple of posters here who just won't play by the rules and are very, very, very irritating.

Dear Mr Gove,
What will your policies be on home education? Are you considering improving access to exams, for example?

Sorry, thought was one question. will go.

Oh lord are we only allowed one question? Sorry, I asked two (although the second one didn't get answered - does that make me slightly less irritating?)

I can not remember reading anywhere that we were not allowed to comment - although in my case I should probably have kept my mouth shut either way.

No, it's not the people who inadvertently asked two questions, it's the people who continually make smart arse comments and spoil an interesting q and a session.

Michael - I have re-mailed Anna. Thanks for your offer.

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