EU referendum, brexit and the aftermath

This is likely, but I reckon he still would have done if he got the job. Can't imagine his principles would have stopped him

Absolutely. He bargained that we would vote Remain, then he could have become leader of the Tories and contested the next General Election on the basis that he wanted us to leave the EU and would therefore fight for our best interests within Europe (rather like Nixon being able to hold talks with China and Russia on the basis that he was a fervent anti-communist). As it stands, he'd be impotent negotiating deals with Europe, given that he'd have initiated our withdrawal. He needed a patsy, but instead he'd be that very patsy if he won the Tory leadership. Gove does actually want us to leave, so he's not hampered. Similarly, May won't have to lie about wanting to Remain, so she's not hampered either. Let's hope Mat wins the leadership contest.