Gove, who is reported to have pictures of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin and U.S. civil rights leader Malcolm X on his wall, has a reputation as a radical reformer.
During his time as education minister his overhaul of the sector made him unpopular with teachers and parents, something that ultimately prompted Cameron to move him to another role.
Many felt that made him an unpalatable leadership contender, and he himself repeatedly said he had no interest in the job.
"I have to say I never thought I'd ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not to be a candidate for the leadership of this party," he said in a speech to launch his unsuccessful bid in 2016.
"I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it ... Whatever glamour may be, I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it."
Yet he remains among those tipped as a possible successor to May if she is toppled over Brexit.
Having saved her once, it is not clear whether Gove will stick by May if he cannot get the changes he wants to her Brexit deal, or if it fails to get through a vote in parliament.
The words of his wife, made public in a leaked email as he weighed up whether to back Johnson, may again ring true:
"Do not concede any ground. Be your stubborn best."
