Michael Gove, the former Conservative Cabinet minister, has ended his relationship with French academic Dr. Lola Salem after two years together. The couple, who drew attention partly due to their 26-year age difference—Gove is 59 and Salem is in her early 30s—were first publicly seen as a couple in 2024 at a social event hosted by The Spectator magazine. Friends confirm that Gove has since moved out of the west London residence they once shared, though the reasons behind their separation remain private.

The relationship was noted for the intellectual compatibility of the pair. Dr. Salem, who holds two degrees from Paris and a doctorate from Oxford, represented a match that went beyond appearances. Gove, who stepped down as a Member of Parliament prior to the couple’s public emergence, later took up the position of editor at The Spectator. While he kept his personal life discreet, he did not conceal his relationship.

Gove has previously been open about his self-perceived lack of physical appeal, joking about his shortcomings in "looks, charisma, all the rest of it." The age and appearance gap between the two attracted public interest, but their partnership seemed grounded elsewhere. Separately, Gove has expressed admiration for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, humorously admitting to searching for images and information about her online, noting her as “gorgeous” and a “huge fan.”

Details of the couple’s split have been closely guarded by those involved. A source close to Gove described the situation as having occurred some time ago, with all parties remaining tight-lipped about the circumstances.