Jacob Rees-Mogg, known for his pinstripe suits, impeccable manners, and penchant for quoting Latin, has always stood out in British politics, embodying a figure from a bygone era. However, the man once humorously referred to as 'the honourable member for the 18th century' is now embracing a distinctly modern venture—starring with his family in a reality television series.
While some might liken them to 'the British Kardashians,' the comparison falls short, as the upper-class Rees-Moggs bear little resemblance to the glitz and glamour of Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe. 'In Somerset, we have a mansion,' declares six-year-old Sixtus Rees-Mogg, the youngest of five boys in the family, to the camera. 'Yes, we have quite a posh accent,' adds Mary, the sole Rees-Mogg daughter.
Their father, the 55-year-old son of the former editor of The Times, William Rees-Mogg, was elected as an MP for North East Somerset in rural southwest England in 2010. A staunch advocate for the UK's exit from the European Union, he served in Boris Johnson's administration as 'minister of state for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency' and as leader of the House of Commons. He also briefly held the position of business secretary under Liz Truss in 2022 but lost his seat when Labour ended 14 years of Conservative rule in July.
Rees-Mogg opened the doors to his 17th-century country mansion and his central London home for 'Meet the Rees-Moggs,' a five-part series broadcast on Discovery from Monday. The show offers viewers a peek into the family's life, including the crucifix above their bed, staff ironing his underpants, and polishing the family Bentley. The series also captures moments of graffiti removal from campaign posters attacking him as 'posh.'
'I just hope we don't come across as completely out of touch people,' said his wife, Lady Helena, daughter of an aristocratic poet and heir to a vast art collection. The Rees-Moggs revealed that they initially thought the offer of a reality show was a hoax but eventually warmed to the idea.
'I've said so many things, sometimes silly things, in the past, that there was nothing particularly I could say that made it any better or worse,' said Rees-Mogg, dressed in his trademark pinstripe suit. In the first episode, the former monocle-wearing schoolboy, who traded stocks and shares while at Eton College, is seen on the campaign trail, politely thanking those who say they'll vote for 'anyone but him.'
The series is likely to amuse Brits who enjoy poking fun at upper-class pretensions. However, Rees-Mogg remains a polarizing figure due to his support for Brexit, loyalty to Johnson, and staunch Catholic views against same-sex marriage and abortion, even in cases of rape. He has also frequently opposed measures to combat climate change.
Rees-Mogg is not the first political figure to venture into reality television. Nigel Farage, another prominent Brexiteer, appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here' last year, where he faced challenges like putting his head in a box of snakes and eating cow's anus and sheep's testicles. Farage came third in the competition and was later elected as an MP for the seaside resort of Clacton for his anti-immigration Reform UK party.
Rees-Mogg, who The Sunday Times estimated may have earned over £10 million ($12.8 million) from his hedge fund and media work since 2010, suggested that television could pave the way for a political comeback. 'I'd love to stand again,' he said. 'I found it a very worthwhile thing to do.' Rees-Mogg continues to host a political show on the right-wing GB News channel, where his statements often spark debate. However, when asked about a second season of 'Meet the Rees-Moggs,' he quoted his political heroine, Margaret Thatcher: 'No, no, no, no.'
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