Rees-mogg ‘will not be gagged’ on Brexit

Christopher Hope Helena Horton

JACOB REES-MOGG would refuse a job in the Government if it stopped him speaking out over Brexit.

Friends of the well-regarded Eurosceptic Conservative MP made clear that if he were offered a ministerial post by Theresa May, he would accept only if it allowed him to speak out on the European Union.

Yesterday, one report said the Prime Minister was looking to hand him a role in Government “to test his suitability for higher office”.

But one friend of the MP for North East Somerset said he would not accept any job that would “shut him up”. The friend said: “If he were offered something purely to shut him up, there would be absolutely no point in him accepting it.

“It would prevent him saying things that would resonate with a Conservative audience.”

Interviewed by the BBC’S Daily Politics in front of a mocked-up image of 10 Downing Street’s doorway yesterday, Mr Rees-mogg said: “This isn’t going to happen. I’m very happy serving the people of North East Somerset. I think to start putting oneself forward is a great mistake.

“Heaven knows, next you’ll be offering me the papacy.”