One of the main contenders to take over from Theresa May as British Conservative leader and prime minister has admitted taking cocaine in the past.
The UK's Environment Secretary Michael Gove has told the Daily Mail he used the drug on 'several occasions' more than 20 years ago - saying he 'deeply regrets' it.
Mr Gove told the newspaper: "At the time I was a young journalist. It was a mistake. I look back and I think, I wish I hadn’t done that.
"It was 20 years ago and yes, it was a mistake. But I don’t believe that past mistakes disqualify you."
The 51-year-old former journalist is one of the main contenders in the leadership race - with similar levels of support to Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Both cabinet members are seen as competing to secure a place on the final ballot paper alongside the current frontrunner Boris Johnson.
Another high-profile candidate, Rory Stewart, has previously apologised for smoking opium during a wedding in Iran - admitting it was a "stupid mistake".
The current Tory leadership contest was triggered by Theresa May's decision to step down as party leader.
She formally resigned yesterday, although will stay on as acting prime minister until a successor is chosen towards the end of July.
11 Conservative MPs have declared their intention to run for leader, ahead of the close of nominations on Monday evening.
The coming weeks will see Tory MPs hold a series of votes - eliminating candidates until only two remain.
General members of the party will then vote for the new leader.
