Rees-mogg to lead Eurosceptic MPS group

‘True believer’ in Brexit vows to challenge the Government as head of European Research Group

JACOB REES-MOGG has been elected as leader of an influential Eurosceptic group of Tory MPS and promised to hold the Government to account over Brexit. Eurosceptics said that Mr Reesmogg, who stood unopposed to head the European Research Group (ERG), is the ideal candidate for the role because he is a “true believer” in Brexit and the benefits it can bring for Britain.

It comes amid concerns that the group of more than 60 Eurosceptic Tory MPS has recently been too weak and failed to do enough to challenge the Government.

He committed to supporting the “principles” of the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House speech last year, in which she set out plans to control immigration and build new trade agreements. Mr Rees-mogg said: “I am delighted to have been elected in succession to Suella Fernandes and Steve Baker who were both superb chairmen. In this role I am keen to help the Government implement the principles laid down by the Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May, in her Lancaster House speech.

“It is especially important to achieve control of our laws, control immigration and achieve new trade agreements with other countries. The ERG speaks individually, not with the collective view, but has considerable support across the parliamentary party. As chairman I intend to be helpful, vigorous and supportive towards government policy of making a success of Brexit.”

His appointment comes at a critical time in negotiations, as Mrs May seeks to reach an agreement with her divided Cabinet over Britain’s future relationship with the European Union.

He told The Daily Telegraph: “The ERG has an important role to play in representing back-bench Eurosceptic views both to the Government and the wider public. There is a strong desire to ensure that the positive emphasis of Brexit is maintained and we focus on the ambition of Brexit to create a more prosperous Britain rather than being bogged down in the minutiae of negotiations.”

The ERG played a key role in the EU referendum as it mobilised Eurosceptic Tory MPS against David Cameron and his pro-remain Cabinet ministers, including George Osborne, the chancellor at the time.

However, senior Eurosceptics said that the group has been far less effective under the leadership of Ms Fernandes, who chaired it while also serving as an aide to Philip Hammond, the Chancellor.

One senior Eurosceptic and supporter of Mr Rees-mogg told The Telegraph: “We are going to look at Cabinet members and make them stand up for Britain. There are a lot of things that need to be argued for as we enter the next phase of negotiations. We must be at the forefront of the debate.”

The appointment is a significant move for Mr Rees-mogg, who has been hailed as a potential future leader of the Conservative Party.