Robert Jenrick denies bribing Jacob Rees-Mogg with a job for his support: ‘I would like to think’

Jenrick plans to make Rees-Mogg party chairman if he wins the leadership contest against Kemi Badenoch. This announcement comes as the Tories seek to rebuild following their recent electoral defeat.

Jenrick explained his choice of Rees-Mogg, telling The Telegraph, "Jacob has been a tireless campaigner for the grassroots. He understands better than anyone the need for party reform."

Rees-Mogg, who lost his seat in the July election, endorsed Jenrick earlier this week on GB News.

He said, "Who do we want to lead us to the next general election? Who do we think can take on the Reverend Starmer? Who will be able to converse with Nigel Farage and see where that may go one way or another? Who can steal Nigel's clothes, if necessary, which may be the best way of going about it? Well, I've come to the conclusion that that person is Robert Jenrick."

Jenrick and Rees-Mogg have outlined plans to reform the Conservative Party if Jenrick becomes leader.

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Writing jointly in The Telegraph, they criticised the recent management of Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) and promised to empower party members.

Their proposed reforms include making any Conservative Party member eligible for selection as a parliamentary candidate and pledging not to "micromanage" local party associations.

Jenrick told The Telegraph, "Together we will empower members and restore the respect that has been so sorely lacking in recent years." The pair also aim to ensure candidates are "committed to fundamental principles and values that define our party" and promise to "reinstate meaning in the blue rosette".

Speaking on GB News, Jenrick elaborated on his plans for the party. He said, "He's a true Conservative who cares passionately about the grassroots of the country."

Jenrick emphasised his intention to rebuild CCHQ and implement a new candidate selection process.

"I want to rebuild CCHQ and have a new way of selecting candidates so we end the favoured sons and daughters of the leader being parachuted in, that was a disgrace," he stated.

The leadership hopeful added, "Let's build a mass membership, a democratic organisation and I think Jacob would be a great asset to that."