Now Rees-Mogg elected head of Tory backbench sceptics

JACOB Rees-Mogg last night vowed to hold ministers to their promises on Brexit after he was elected leader of an influential group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs.

The vociferous Brexit supporter stood unopposed to become chairman of the Elected Research Group (ERG), which comprises more than 60 backbenchers.

Mr Rees-Mogg has voiced concerns about how Britain could be forced to allow free movement of workers to continue and remain subject to the European Court of Justice during a transition period.

Yesterday he pledged to be ‘helpful, vigorous and supportive’ towards the Government as it implements its policy of ‘making a success of Brexit’.

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. 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.’

Miss Fernandes was appointed as a junior minister in the Brexit department in the reshuffle this month. She follows in the footsteps of her successor as ERG chairman, Mr Baker, who was appointed as a Brexit minister last June.