Jacob Rees-Mogg, who belongs to the conservative wing of the Tories, is also said to be responsible for “government efficiency”.
British Prime Minister Boris wants a new cabinet post for “Brexit opportunities”. Johnson appease his increasingly disaffected faction. The Conservative Prime Minister appointed Jacob Rees-Mogg MP as “Secretary of State for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency”, Downing Street announced on Tuesday.
In the course of the “Partygate” affair, many Tories had demanded Johnson must emphasize the supposedly positive consequences of the British exit from the EU. The Prime Minister now wants to ensure this by appointing the loyal Rees-Mogg.
Conservative wing
The 52-year-old is known as an eccentric but is also considered an influential member of the very conservative wing of the Tory party. He caused a stir, for example, when he responded to the concerns of outraged fishermen about the provisions in the Brexit Treaty: “What matters is that we have our fish back. They are British fish now. And therefore better and happier fish.” Foreign Secretary Liz Truss continues to lead negotiations with the EU.
Previously, Rees-Mogg, as the government’s “Leader of the House,” was responsible for coordinating parliamentary operations. Mark Spencer, who was previously responsible for faction discipline as “Chief Whip”, will take over this post. Spencer was recently caught in the crossfire of criticism after several MPs voiced their distrust in the prime minister.
The next affair
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure over a false claim about opposition leader Keir Starmer. Several MPs from his own party called on the Prime Minister on Tuesday to clarify what he said after Starmer had to be protected by police from a group of angry demonstrators the night before.
Conservative MP Roger Gale said Starmer’s treatment was disgraceful. He fears that this is the direct result of “purposely careless language” in Parliament. It was “really important for our democracy and for (Starmer’s) security that the false slurs be completely withdrawn,” said Julian Smith, also a Tory member. “Prime Minister, please excuse me,” Tory MP Tobias Ellwood wrote on Twitter, adding, “Let’s stop this slide towards normalizing Trump-style politics.”
Johnson has been confronted with calls for his resignation from within his own ranks for weeks because of a series of scandals. In particular, the discovery of several parties at his office during the corona lockdowns got him into trouble.
(APA/dpa)