Aug

Speculation grows that Rees-Mogg will be Housing Secretary if Liz Truss wins

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It’s known as ‘silly season’ when the media focuses on light-hearted stories, but news that Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) is being mooted as the new Levelling Up Secretary has been seen by some as no laughing matter.

As the leadership contest draws to a close, preparations for Liz Truss’s potential premiership are reportedly well under way and she is thought to already have a clear vision of her cabinet.

There’s speculation that the Old Etonian and loyal Truss supporter could soon fill Greg Clark’s shoes, who only took over from previous incumbent Michael Gove at the beginning of July.

But the idea of Rees-Mogg – mocked as the ‘minister for the 18^th century’ – being put in charge of the Tories’ flagship policy has been greeted with a mixture of exasperation and disbelief.

As well as being responsible for narrowing growing inequalities in the UK, he would be tasked with sorting out the fall-out of the cladding scandal, homelessness, housing development, and of course, the Renters’ Reform Bill.

Brexit opportunities

In his defence, Rees-Mogg has held key positions as leader of the House of Commons as well as minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency.

But the Eton-educated son of a lord made millions as an investment banker before entering politics – not ideal qualifications for someone in charge of community regeneration. He was also forced to apologise after suggesting that victims of the Grenfell Tower fire had not used “common sense”.

However, the leak could be a bit of a smokescreen to distract from other more serious problems, while some Westminster insiders have suggested Truss has marked out Simon Clarke for the role – a former minister at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and currently number two at the Treasury.

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