UK minister Gove backs PM May, saying it is not the time to change captain

Britain's Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove is seen outside his home in London, Britain March 24, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Environment Secretary Michael Gove said on Sunday Prime Minister Theresa May "absolutely" had his support, adding that it was a time for "cool heads" to focus on getting her twice-rejected Brexit agreement approved by lawmakers.

"I think it is not the time to change the captain of the ship, I think what we need to do is to chart the right course, and the prime minister has charted that right course by making sure that we have a deal that honours the referendum mandate," he said.

Press reports late on Saturday said senior minister in May's government were discussing a leadership coup, with Gove or May's de facto deputy David Lidington mentioned as possible candidates to replace her in the short term.

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Alison Williams)