Boris Johnson’s demise as prime minister was a “triumph” for Remain voters, Jacob Rees-Mogg has said.
The Brexit Opportunities minister told GB News there are “a lot of people” who still resent Britain leaving the European Union (EU) and therefore rejoiced in bringing who he called “the standard bearer” of Brexit down.
“Part of the reason has to be Brexit. There are still a lot of people who still resent the fact that we left the European Union and therefore to bring down the standard bearer of Brexit was a triumph.
“You had people saying no Boris no Brexit, and I think they really thought that,” he said.
Mr Rees-Mogg said it would be difficult for Mr Johnson to stay on as an MP under the new prime minister.
The minister added: “Anything you say as a former PM who stays in parliament is seen as being disagreeable, where as if you don’t say things you’re not representing your constituents.
“Boris has a very sunny character...it may be easier for him if he resigns.”
Despite his hestitations about his future, Mr Rees-Mogg praised Mr Johnson’s leadership, saying “he got the big things right”, referring to Brexit and supporting Ukraine. He also supported Mr Johnson’s response to the pandemic.
“The area where the Government has not been strong,...that’s economic policy,” he said.
“But there’s somebody else I would blame for that.”
'The PM got all the big choices right... the area where I think the Government have not been so strong is economic policy, but there's somebody else I would blame.'
— GB News (@GBNEWS) August 13, 2022
In an exclusive GB News interview, Jacob Rees-Mogg tells Philip Davies why he supported Boris Johnson as PM. pic.twitter.com/X57YhoPJJW
Mr Rees-Mogg has previously criticised Mr Sunak’s plans to slash income tax after inflation is “brought under control”, calling his economic plan “the finest fantasy”.
In an interview with Sky News last week, he said: “If you are going to talk about fairytale economics I think suggesting there will be income tax cuts many, many years into the future is the finest fantasy. Making the suggestion that taxes will be cut in years to come is the greatest fairytale.”
Mr Rees-Mogg is backing Liz Truss to be the next leader of the Conservative Party, saying she will “get the delivery of Brexit done”.
He thought Ms Truss’s admission she had been wrong to side with the Remain campaign was “brilliant” and “refreshing”.
“She’s enthusiastic about Brexit – and that’s terrific. Because if we’re to get the benefits of Brexit, we need enthusiasm,” he said.
In a criticism of civil servants working from home, he said British officials were becoming “French” in their attitude to work.
“Nobody can do any work when it’s hot, apparently, for two days in a century, and we all have to stay at home.
“And now what’s the excuse now? Oh, no, it’s August, so no one can possibly. We’re becoming French. We need to see people get back in the office.”
