Jacob Rees-Mogg: Ex-politician says reality show a ‘calculated risk’
4 min read
Jacob Rees-Mogg and his wife Helena, with five of their six children (Photo: Discovery+/Warner Bros)
Former Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has come under scrutiny after joining the reality TV series Meet the Rees-Moggs, which gives a glimpse into his family life. In a recent interview, Rees-Mogg, who was known for his hardline political views during his 14 years as an MP, insisted that his participation in the show was not driven by a desire for fame. “I don’t want to be a celebrity,” he stated, though acknowledging that being a public figure comes with the responsibility of being open about who you are.
Rees-Mogg’s political career was marked by controversial opinions, including his staunch opposition to abortion in all circumstances and his denial of the need for climate change legislation. His comments in the aftermath of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, suggesting that residents should have ignored fire brigade advice and fled the building, were widely condemned as insensitive. Despite such criticism, Rees-Mogg’s response to political controversy often seemed to entertain him. He admits to enjoying the process of winding people up, claiming that some people are simply “easy to wind up.”
The reality show, which airs on Discovery+, stars Rees-Mogg and his wife, Helena de Chair, along with their six children. The family’s lifestyle is on full display, with scenes showing them attending lavish events like black-tie dinners and birthday parties at Boris Johnson’s house. Their family dynamic is further highlighted, including their private Sunday Mass and their Somerset estate, where staff manage everything from daily chores to folding Rees-Mogg’s underwear. Rees-Mogg himself refers to the family as “more Addams Family than Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” making light of their unconventional lifestyle. Despite the lavish portrayal, critics have questioned his motivations for appearing on the show, given his wealth—his wife is heir to a reported £45 million fortune—and the potential PR benefits.
In addition to offering a glimpse into his family life, the show serves as a platform for Rees-Mogg to promote his conservative ideals. He admitted that he hoped the reality series would give him an opportunity to “get the Conservative message out there.” His presence on the show has raised questions about whether he is positioning himself for a political comeback after losing his seat in July. While Rees-Mogg insists that he hasn’t thought that far ahead, he confesses that he still adheres to his former MP schedule, returning to his constituency on Thursdays. He jokes that the reality show is a better option than participating in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, as some of his political peers have done.
PR experts, however, have suggested that Rees-Mogg is using the series to “reposition” himself. Simon Lewis, a former Downing Street director of communications, believes that at 55, Rees-Mogg could still carve out a new chapter in his career. Critics such as Carol Midgley have questioned his motives, pointing out that with his family’s wealth, he doesn’t need the money, raising the possibility that the show is an attempt to boost his public image. Midgley noted that viewers are often drawn to watch wealthy families, so this could be a strategic move to increase his visibility.
The reality show has received mixed reviews. The Independent described it as “toothless and vapid,” criticizing its failure to challenge Rees-Mogg in any meaningful way. Similarly, Joel Golby from The Guardian called the show “impeccable reality TV” but criticized its soft portrayal of Rees-Mogg, suggesting that it was designed as a form of reputation management. However, some argue that viewers are intrigued by the opportunity to peer into the lives of the wealthy, a sentiment reflected in Midgley’s review, which pointed out that such shows tend to draw significant attention.
Rees-Mogg’s family life, as showcased on the show, includes candid moments such as discussions about politics and religion with his children, as well as his attempts to learn modern slang from his daughter, like understanding words such as “rizz” and “wasteman.” Despite the lighthearted moments, there is an underlying strategy at play, with Rees-Mogg hoping the show will help him maintain relevance in the public eye.
While the show has sparked criticism, it remains to be seen whether it will achieve the desired outcome for Rees-Mogg. If it successfully reshapes his public image, it could mark a new phase in his career. Whether his “calculated risk” will pay off or backfire is still unclear, but for now, the reality series continues to generate both interest and skepticism.
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