JACOB Rees-Mogg's ministerial salary has more than doubled after his demotion to Minister for Brexit Opportunities. 

Rees-Mogg was entitled to a salary of £34,367 as Leader of the House of Commons but that has now risen to £71,673 in his new role. This will supplement the income he receives from his Cayman Islands linked investment firm, Saliston, which he relinquished directorship of in 2019.

The new role was created in 2020 by Johnson as an amalgamation of various loosely connected briefs. The exact nature of the role is somewhat unclear as the UK Government website lists its responsibilities as blank. 

However, the new role is said to link into the Government’s Brexit Opportunities Unit, which is focused on “making sure the policy, laws and regulations are helping to boost growth, drive forward innovation and increase competition in the UK”. 

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Regardless, the role is one of the best paid ministerial jobs in the Commons, with only the Prime Minister and Attorney General being entitled to more. This should go some way in rewarding Rees-Mogg's loyalty to Johnson as he falls victim to the Prime Minister’s most recent strategizing. 

Removing Rees-Mogg from his position as Leader of the House of Commons may assuage calls for a more professional approach to Johnson’s leadership, after promising in the Commons to “make changes” to how he governs.

Following a disastrous few weeks in the media for Johnson, including a raft of resignations within No 10, he will hope that the reshuffle helps tighten his grip over his parliamentary colleagues.