If Boris Johnson’s recent reshuffle had an overarching purpose it was to show Conservative MPs that a beleaguered prime minister was listening to them. This is the perspective in which the most eye-catching ministerial move, the appointment of Jacob Rees-Mogg as minister for “Brexit opportunities”, should also primarily be seen. Mr Johnson wants his MPs to be reassured that his faith in Brexit is undiminished and that he has installed another ardent leaver at his side after the departure of Lord Frost.
What is less clear, though, is exactly what Mr Rees-Mogg is there to do. He has not simply taken over from Lord Frost, whose responsibility for negotiations with the EU was transferred to the foreign secretary, Liz Truss. But Mr Rees-Mogg’s extended job title gives a clue; in addition to his Brexit promotion role, he is also in charge of “government efficiency”. Mr Johnson is said to have told him to draft an action plan with “1,000 regulations we want to get rid of”. » | Editorial | Friday, February 18, 2022
