Jacob Rees-Mogg has defended leaving “passive-aggressive” notes for civil servants.
The Tory minister for “government efficiency” and “ Brexit opportunities” was visited Whitehall offices yesterday, and left leaflets for any civil servant who wasn’t physically sitting at their desk.
It comes as Mr Rees-Mogg launched a headline-grabbing campaign against workers who continue to use flexible working arrangements introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The paper note read: “Sorry you were out when I visited. I look forward to seeing you in the office very soon.
“With every good wish, Jacob Rees-Mogg.”
The missives prompted widespread derision when one was posted online by podcast producer Dino Sofos on Friday evening.
Some pointed out that departmental cost cutting meant that there were now not enough desks for all staff, so many are ‘hot-desking’ and working from home for part of the time.
Some staff have reportedly been told they can only come into the office for a maximum of two days a week.
Shadow Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders tweeted: “The Minister for “Government efficiency” thinks it’s an efficient use of his time to do this - someone introduce him to email and zoom please”
Former Labour MP Anna Turley recalled the time she snapped Mr Rees-Mogg reclining on the Commons benches during a debate.
“This from the guy I snapped literally laying down on the job…”, she wrote.
She added: “Passive-aggressive snidey crap that will ensure no one in the department will respect him one iota, ever believe in his vision, values or leadership (ha!) or ever go the extra mile (or even inch) for him. Demoralising and patronising.”
SNP MP John Nicolson branded the notes “downright creepy.”
But Mr Rees-Mogg today defended them.
Confirming the notes were real, his spokesperson told the Mirror: “Office was completely empty. Very important for the taxpayer and British public widely that government is working properly and the estate is well used.”
