The Brexit Opportunities minister told GB News there are “a lot of people” who still resent Britain leaving the country European Union (EU) and therefore rejoiced in taking down who he called “the standard-bearer” of Brexit.
“Part of the reason must be Brexit. There are still many people who still resent that we left the European Union and so it was a triumph to take down the flag bearer of Brexit.
“You had people who said no Boris, no Brexit, and I think they really thought that,” he said.
Mr Rees-Mogg said it would be difficult for Mr Johnson to stay on as MP under the new Prime Minister.
The minister added: “Everything you say as a former prime minister who remains in parliament is considered unpleasant, while as if you are not saying things, you are not representing your voters.
“Boris has a very sunny disposition… it might be easier for him if he resigns.”
Despite his hesitations about his future, Mr. Rees-Mogg’s leadership of Mr. Johnson, saying “he’s done the big things right,” referring to Brexit and backing Ukraine. He also supported Mr Johnson’s response to the pandemic.
“The area where the government hasn’t been strong … that’s economic policy,” he said.
“But there’s someone else I would blame for that.”
Mr Rees-Mogg has previously criticized Mr Sunak’s plans to cut income taxes after inflation has been “brought under control”, calling his economic plan “the best fantasy”.
In an interview with Sky News last week, he said: “If you’re going to talk about fairytale economics, I think suggesting there will be income tax cuts many, many years in the future is the best fantasy. To suggest that taxes will be cut in the coming years is the biggest fairytale.”
Mr Rees-Mogg backs Liz Truss to become the next Conservative Party leader, saying she will “make the delivery of Brexit”.
He thought Ms. Truss’s admission that she had made a mistake about the Remain campaign was “brilliant” and “refreshing”.
“She’s excited about Brexit – and that’s great. Because if we want to take advantage of Brexit, we need enthusiasm,” he said.
In a critique of officials who work from home, he said British officials were becoming “French” in their attitude to work.
“No one can work when it seems to be two days in a century hot, and we all have to stay home.
‘And what’s the excuse now? Oh no, it’s August, so no one can. We become French. We need to get people back to the office.”