JACOB Rees-Mogg has been urged to explain his bizarre comparison between Rishi Sunak and the Borgias – a noble Italian house known for treachery.
In a previous interview with the BBC, Rees-Mogg said it was “no good being holier-than-thou if you end up behaving like a Borgia”.
The House of Borgia, which produced two Popes, was a wealthy aristocratic family during the Italian renaissance and some members became known for their treachery.
In an exchange on Sky News, Sophy Ridge said Rees-Mogg was “being a bit bashful” in explaining his comparison.
#Ridge - You have referenced the Borgias... what did they do? Jacob Rees-Mogg - I'll give people a history lesson on GBnews... #Ridge - So you're effectively saying corrupt ... is that what you're saying about Rishi Sunak? #bbclaurak pic.twitter.com/GKUbom7qha
— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) May 14, 2023
“Everyone knows about the Borgias”, replied the Tory MP – a claim which seemingly left the Sky News presenter bemused.
He added: “I’m not here to give you a history lecture. I’m happy with the reference but if people want history lectures I’ll give them on GB News between eight and nine o’clock every Monday to Thursday.”
The comment left Ridge laughing but she continued to press Rees-Mogg on what exactly the Borgias did.
He replied by giving a bit of detail about the family but refused to be drawn on the specifics of his comparison.
Ridge added: “So corrupt effectively, is that what you’re really referencing to Rishi Sunak?”
Rees-Mogg added: “No I think you’re delving into this far too much. No I don’t think he’s corrupt but I think he broke a promise. That was the point.”
The GB News presenter previously accused the Prime Minister of breaking is word over the decision not to scrap thousands of EU laws by the end of the year.
The MP is among those backers of the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO) which was officially launched on Friday.
Among the keynote speakers was Priti Patel who blamed the “centre” of the Conservative Party for their bruising results in last week’s local elections.
Set up by supporters of Boris Johnson, the group wants to give party members more power and is critical of the way in which Rishi Sunak was appointed leader.
