Michael Gove and wife Sarah. Winnie divorced but "still a close friend"

The high-profile Scotsman in Boris Johnson's cabinet and his journalist wife will separate and demand privacy as they need to prioritize and support their children.

A joint spokesman for the couple said Conservative Party Minister Michael Gove and his journalist wife Sarah. Winnie will part ways after nearly 20 years of marriage.

Scottish-born Gove is a cabinet office minister responsible for Boris Johnson's response to Nikolai Sturgeon's request for a second independence referendum.

Sarah. Winnie is a reporter and award-winning columnist for the Daily Mail, where she regularly comments on the policies and woes of the Johnson administration.

The high-profile couple married in October 2001 but have decided to end their relationship and are "in the process of finalizing divorce proceedings."

Their spokesperson told PA News Agency: "Michael and Sarah have agreed to separate and they are finalizing divorce proceedings.

"They will continue to support their two children and they remain close friends.

"At this point the family politely asks for privacy and will not provide any further comments."

Winnie wrote in her Daily Mail column last week, in an article about the resignation of former health secretary Matt Hancock, talking about how life in Westminster has created divisions between partners.

A friend of the couple said: "It was a difficult and sad decision for Michael and Sarah, who have been married for 20 years.

"It's a completely friendly separation with no one else involved. Over the past few years, they've gone their separate ways, but they're still friends.

"Their absolute priority is the child."

Note: Transferred from The Sun