Senior government minister Michael Gove and his journalist wife Sarah Vine are to split after almost 20 years of marriage, a joint spokesperson for the couple said.

       The high-profile couple married in October 2001.

       Their spokesman said: “Michael and Sarah have agreed to separate and they are in the process of finalising their divorce.

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

       “The family politely ask for privacy at this time and will not be providing any further comment.”

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       Ms Vine, a columnist for The Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday, wrote an article last week in which she expounded on the extent to which Westminster life can drive a wedge between partners.

       Writing about former health secretary Matt Hancock’s resignation, after leaked footage of him kissing an adviser and old friend, she suggested that senior politicians often change while in office.

       She wrote: “Climbing that far up Westminster’s greasy pole changes a person. And when someone changes, they require something new from a partner.”

       A friend of the couple said: “This is a difficult and sad decision for Michael and Sarah after 20 years of marriage.

       “It is an entirely amicable separation and there is no one else involved.

       “They have drifted apart over the past couple of years but they remain friends.

       “Their absolute priority is the children.”