I've met Jacob Rees-Mogg a few times, usually when giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee. I admit I have little regard for him. I strongly suspect that the feeling is mutual from the exchanges we have had.<\/p>\n
Frankly what Rees-Mogg thinks of me is neither here or there. I am also sure he is quite indifferent to my opinion. But as a country we cannot ignore Rees-Mogg. He might suggest that stories<\/a> that a majority of Tory members want him as leader as 'silly season' tittle-tattle but the fact is that the surveys have some credibility. They originate from Conservative Home, which does appear to reasonably accurately reflect such thinking.<\/p>\n Rees-Mogg is, however, not some kind of joke, as Boris Johnson also appeared to be once upon a while. He is an earnestly serious politician intent on advancing his views, which are utterly alien to those of most people in the UK. I respect his right to oppose gay marriage and abortion. I think he is utterly wrong on both counts, as I do think the Roman Catholic faith has called these issues incorrectly. But I do not now think it appropriate (which is something different from a right) for a person holding such views to seek high office, or candidly, ministerial office in the UK, when they are so deeply antagonistic to the human rights of a majority of \u00a0people in this country.<\/p>\n Politics is about expressing opinion, of course. But political office is different. Political office is about acting in the best interest of all, and not in the interest of a section of society. Those who successfully hold public office show that they are sensitive to the greater demands that responsibility to all requires of them. Rees-Mogg has clearly indicated he is unable to accept that responsibility and as such is not suited to any ministerial office.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"