Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP for North East Somerset (renamed North East Somerset and Hanham), has often been at the centre of controversy within UK politics. Representing the area that includes Hanham since 2010, Rees-Mogg’s career has been marked by a series of contentious episodes and opinions.

In 2006, Rees-Mogg made headlines when he criticised David Cameron’s efforts to increase the representation of ethnic minorities on the Conservative candidate list. He argued that such quotas could “make it harder for the intellectually able” and claimed that “Ninety-five per cent of this country is White. The list can’t be totally different from the country at large.” This stance sparked significant debate about diversity and representation within the party.

His controversial remarks extended to personal attacks, such as when he commented on John Prescott’s accent, stereotyping him as an “oaf”. This kind of rhetoric has often been seen as divisive by critics.

Rees-Mogg’s reputation for honesty was also questioned in December 2009 when a pamphlet purported to show him conversing with a local constituent and calling for government transparency. It later emerged that the “constituent” was actually a London-based employee of his investment firm, further complicating his public image.

Perhaps one of the most alarming incidents occurred in May 2013, when he addressed an annual dinner held by the Traditional Britain Group, a far-right organisation known for its extreme views, including calls for the deportation of non-white Britons. Although Rees-Mogg claimed he was not a supporter of the group, his attendance after being informed of their views by anti-fascist group Searchlight did little to alleviate concerns about his judgment.

Rees-Mogg’s political endorsements have also stirred controversy, notably his support for Donald Trump during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Despite initially supporting Trump, Rees-Mogg distanced himself following the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape but later wrote positively about Trump, praising his appeal to voters “left behind by the metropolitan elite”.

His stance on environmental and social issues has further alienated potential supporters. Rees-Mogg has expressed skepticism about the scientific consensus on climate change and openly opposed same-sex marriage, declaring he was “not proud” of its legalisation.

In terms of his political career, Rees-Mogg’s position seems increasingly precarious. Recent polls suggest he is at risk of losing his seat in the next general election, with significant discontent brewing within the most rural constituencies. His appointment as Leader of the House of Commons following Boris Johnson’s ascension as Prime Minister has done little to mitigate the controversies surrounding him.

In January 2023, Rees-Mogg joined GB News as a host and presenter, a move that has led to further scrutiny. By July 2023, Ofcom was investigating whether his role on GB News breached regulations that prevent politicians from acting as newsreaders.

Jacob Rees-Mogg remains a polarising figure in British politics, embodying the ideological and cultural battles that continue to shape the Conservative Party and the broader political landscape.