Brexit news: Rees-Mogg indicates support for Johnson (Image: GETTY/SKY)
The European Research Group (ERG) chair indicated that Mr Johnson could “unite” the Conservative Party after Brexit is delivered. The ERG chair leads a cohort of 80 Tory MPs who could play a pivotal role in deciding who takes over the leadership of the Conservative Party once Theresa May departs. The MP for North East Somerset insisted that on domestic issues, Mr Johnson is “very much in the middle” and could well tie in the opposing wings of the Conservative party.
Mr Rees-Mogg also expressed his approval for a duo of Mr Johnson and Amber Rudd as he commented on the latter’s “first-class capabilities”.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I think very highly of Boris Johnson, who managed to win in London twice in a Labour area, has a great connection with voters, is a clear Eurosceptic but otherwise is very much in the middle of the Conservative party.
“He’s not particularly a factional character beyond the European issue and therefore I think could unite the party and win elections but we are lucky, we have many other good candidates as well.”
“I think it is now legitimate to be discussing the various abilities of the various potential candidates.”
