Introduction
Jacob Rees-Mogg is one of the most distinctive figures in modern British politics. Known for his polished manner, deeply traditional views, and eloquent speeches steeped in historical references, Rees-Mogg has earned admiration, ridicule, and fascination in equal measure. His public persona—a throwback to an earlier era—has made him a cultural and political icon in the UK, particularly among conservatives and monarchists.
This in-depth article explores who Jacob Rees-Mogg is, including details about his age, birthday, religion, wife, children, nanny, net worth, and his unique path through British politics. We also dive into the myths and realities surrounding this polarizing figure and what his legacy might be.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Jacob William Rees-Mogg was born on May 24, 1969, in Hammersmith, London, making him 56 years old as of 2025. He is the youngest son of William Rees-Mogg, the former editor of The Times newspaper and a life peer (Lord Rees-Mogg), and Gillian Shakespeare Morris, a teacher.
Raised in a wealthy, devoutly Roman Catholic family, Rees-Mogg grew up in a world steeped in privilege and tradition. His aristocratic demeanor was cultivated from an early age, earning him the nickname “the Honourable Member for the 18th century.”
Education
He attended Eton College, one of the UK’s most prestigious private schools, before reading History at Trinity College, Oxford. At Oxford, he was President of the Oxford University Conservative Association, further cementing his political ambitions.
Career Before Parliament
After university, Rees-Mogg worked in investment banking with Rothschild & Co. He later co-founded Somerset Capital Management, an investment firm specializing in emerging markets. This venture significantly contributed to his growing personal wealth.
Despite lacking a background of working-class struggle or modern activism, Rees-Mogg used his financial acumen and connections to climb the ladder of British public life.
Entry into Politics
Rees-Mogg first ran for Parliament in 1997 in Central Fife, a safe Labour seat. Famously, he campaigned with his nanny, Veronica Cook, in tow—driven around in a Mercedes, which generated widespread media mockery. Nevertheless, the event became a defining moment in the creation of his public persona.
In 2010, he was elected as the MP for North East Somerset, marking the beginning of a successful political career that saw him re-elected multiple times.
Political Ideology and Positions
Jacob Rees-Mogg is a staunch social conservative and economic libertarian. He is:
Pro-life, opposing abortion in all cases
Opposed to same-sex marriage
A vocal supporter of Brexit
An advocate of free-market capitalism
A critic of “woke” culture and progressive identity politics
These views have won him admiration from some right-wing voters but have also made him a divisive figure in broader UK society.
He is deeply influenced by Catholic social teaching, often citing religious doctrine as the basis for his policy positions. Rees-Mogg has also consistently voted against liberal reforms in Parliament, earning both praise and criticism for sticking to his principles.
Role in Government
Rees-Mogg rose to greater prominence during the Brexit years:
He was chairman of the European Research Group (ERG), a coalition of hardline Brexiteer Conservative MPs.
Played a key role in pushing for a “clean break” from the EU.
Supported Boris Johnson’s leadership bid and was appointed Leader of the House of Commons in 2019.
Later served as Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency in 2022.
His tenure in government was marked by his emphasis on bureaucratic reform, de-regulation, and the maximization of what he saw as post-Brexit “freedoms.”
Personal Life
Wife: Helena Rees-Mogg
Jacob is married to Helena Anne Beatrix Wentworth Fitzwilliam de Chair, an aristocrat, poet, and former editor. The couple married in 2007 and reside at Gournay Court, a Grade II* listed manor house in Somerset.
Helena is the daughter of the late Somerset de Chair, a Conservative MP and writer. She shares her husband’s Catholic beliefs and support for traditional family values. The couple are known for their privacy and rarely engage in public media appearances together.
Children
The couple has six children, each with traditional, saint-inspired names:
Peter Theodore Alphege
Mary Anne Charlotte Emma
Thomas Wentworth Somerset Dunstan
Anselm Charles Fitzwilliam
Alfred Wulfric Leyson Pius
Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher
Rees-Mogg has publicly expressed pride in his large family and strong Catholic upbringing. He often shares humorous anecdotes about life as a father of six in the countryside.
Nanny: Veronica Cook
One of the more curious aspects of Rees-Mogg’s public image is the continued presence of his family nanny, Veronica Cook. She cared for him as a child and later for his own children. He famously brought her along during his 1997 campaign, and she remains a symbol of his traditional values.
Rees-Mogg has stated that he has never changed a nappy, reinforcing his image as a traditionalist who delegates domestic duties. This stance has been criticized as outdated by some, but for others, it adds to his eccentric, unapologetic charm.
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Religion
Rees-Mogg is a devout Roman Catholic, perhaps one of the most openly religious MPs in British politics. He attends Latin Mass services and strictly adheres to church doctrine.
His faith is more than ceremonial—it guides his votes and public statements. He opposes abortion and same-sex marriage on religious grounds and has said he would not prioritize modernizing Catholic teachings to align with current social norms.
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Net Worth
Estimates place Rees-Mogg’s personal net worth at between £100 million and £150 million, much of it attributed to:
His role in Somerset Capital Management, which managed over £5 billion in assets at its peak
Inheritance from his aristocratic family
His wife’s wealth and property holdings
In 2023, his investment firm faced a downturn and began winding down operations, though Rees-Mogg had already earned substantial dividends over the years.
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Height and Appearance
Rees-Mogg stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. He is often seen in tailored double-breasted suits, wearing spectacles and sporting a slicked-back hairstyle—adding to his reputation as a “living Victorian.”
His posture, speech style, and wardrobe have contributed to countless memes and impersonations. Shows like Have I Got News for You and Spitting Image have frequently parodied his “Downton Abbey” persona.
Post-Political Career and Media Involvement
After losing his seat in the 2024 General Election, Rees-Mogg transitioned into media. He currently hosts a show on GB News called State of the Nation, offering right-wing commentary on current affairs. He also took part in a reality TV series titled Meet the Rees-Moggs, which aired in late 2024 and featured behind-the-scenes glimpses into his family life.
Despite no longer being an MP, he remains an influential voice in conservative politics, and many speculate about a future return to Parliament—or even leadership within a rebranded right-wing movement.
Legacy and Influence
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s legacy is already deeply embedded in modern British political history:
A symbol of aristocratic conservatism
A consistent advocate for Brexit
A media-savvy, if eccentric, public figure
A man who never bowed to the pressure of modern political correctness
Whether loved or loathed, Rees-Mogg is undeniably memorable.
Final Thoughts
Jacob Rees-Mogg represents a unique blend of heritage, ideology, and showmanship. His life reflects deep convictions rooted in family, faith, and country—values he proudly champions even in the face of fierce criticism.
As Britain continues to evolve socially and politically, figures like Rees-Mogg challenge the direction of progress, questioning whether tradition still holds value in an increasingly globalized and secular world.
For more in-depth profiles and political analysis, visit us at Thejangoo.com, where we explore the lives behind the headlines.