Rees-mogg is the most popular backbencher among grassroots
SIR JACOB REES-MOGG has been crowned the most popular Conservative backbencher in an annual survey by a leading Tory publication.
The former business secretary pipped Miriam Cates, a rising star from the 2019 intake, and Suella Braverman in the contest.
He won the most votes from readers of Conservative Home, which is often described as Tory grassroots bible.
The competition was won last year by Lee Anderson, the “Red Wall rottweiler”, who is now a deputy chairman of the Conservatives.
Sir Jacob, the MP for North East Somerset, is a stalwart figure on the Right of the party and is enduringly popular among its members. This year he took up a new role presenting a show on GB News four times a week, which may have added to his reputation within the grassroots.
He said that he was “surprised and flattered in equal measure” to be crowned “backbencher of the year”.
The former Cabinet minister won 64 out of the 611 votes cast, three ahead of Ms Cates, who has been an outspoken advocate for family values. Ms Braverman, the former home secretary who quit in a row with the Prime Minister over migration and has been tipped for a future leadership bid, came third with 33. Mr Anderson secured 31 votes, while Theresa May scored 27 in a sign her stock among members is recovering.
The annual survey is seen as an indication of the mood of the party’s grassroots, and this year features many critics of Rishi Sunak’s policies.
Sir Jacob has opposed the Government’s approach particularly on net zero, arguing that the Prime Minister should ditch expensive green initiatives.
Conservative Home also runs a monthly league table of Cabinet ministers’ popularity, which saw Mr Sunak fall to his lowest negative rating this month.