Jacob Rees-Mogg set to be next Prime Minister as odds slashed after left-wing protest
REUTERS•PA The bookies have slashed the odds for Rees-Mogg
The MP for north east Somerset is set to become Tory leader as the bookies have cut his price into 7/2 (from 4/1) over the last 48 hours. Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: "Support continues to pour in for Rees-Mogg, and his handling of left-wing protesters in Bristol has seemingly struck a chord with punters to part way with further cash on him becoming next leader." Mr Rees-Mogg is also backed by 21 percent of Conservative Party members that shared their opinions in the latest ConservativeHome survey - this marks a jump of three percent since it was conducted the previous month. Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said on his LBC radio show he thinks the Eurosceptic MP will become prime minister.
He said: "We could be very close to a leadership election. If this contest happens and Jacob Rees-Mogg makes the last two, he’ll win. That’s my prediction. My neck on the block once again." Mr Rees-Mogg caused controversy among students who raised questions about whether to ban the politician from giving his speech at Bristol. A video was posted on social media showing Mr Rees-Mogg involved in the fracas as a punch is thrown.
Shock LIVE pics as Jacob Rees-Mogg confronts masked men Fri, February 2, 2018 Jacob Rees-Mogg confronts masked men as Bristol University event descends into CHAOS Play slideshow TWITTER/CHLOEKAYEX 1 of 5 The moment Jacob Rees-Mogg is confronted by a masked man
It is unclear whether the punch was in the direction of the Brexiteer, but he appears to step in front of an antagonist. Mr Rees-Mogg can then be seen pushing the man in sunglasses and hat away, seemingly trying to ease the tension in the room. Chloe Kaye, who posted the video on Twitter, wrote: “A huge amount of (physical) violence a Jacob Rees-Mogg speech in UWE Bristol.”
The world of Jacob Rees-Mogg Sun, July 9, 2017 Jacob Rees-Mogg is one of the biggest characters in the Tory party. Known for his RP diction, humorous speeches and staunchly pro-Brexit views, the MP for Northeast Somerset is firmly in the public eye Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 10 Jacob Rees-Mogg visits the new Bagpuss Pop-up Shop at Whitelys Shopping Centre
Speaking later to Express.co.uk, the politics student said: "I went into the talk to hear about Jacob Rees-Mogg and suddenly as soon as he comes in about six masked individuals run in screaming, 'bigot, racist, sexist'. "They're screaming, absolutely no university security to be seen. Jacob Rees-Mogg screams, 'I believe in free speech,' so he runs up to them and actually wants to start talking to them."
PA Mr Rees-Mogg is also backed by 21 percent of Conservative Party members
Jacob Rees-Mogg frustrated with the interruption then proceeded to continue with his speech despite the lack of security to intervene, according to the student. "He was actually trying to hold the peace," Ms Kaye said. "He was trying to get people, he wanted to talk to them.
REUTERS A video was posted on social media showing Mr Rees-Mogg involved in the fracas