Facts

Jacob Rees-Mogg spoke to GB News about his thoughts on the Cabinet Office seeking judicial review over requests for Boris Johnon’s WhatsApp messages. He told listeners, “As you know I’m willing to criticise government when it’s wrong. But is is clearly right.”

Rees-Mogg then retweeted the clip on twitter with the caption, “If the inquiry carries on like this it will never report”

The original deadline for Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages to be handed over to the inquiry was set for 12 May 2023. Due to the Cabinet Office’s legal challenge, the deadline was pushed back to 10 July.  

Verdict

The Hallett inquiry cannot be blamed for the Downing Street decision to resort to judicial review. Jacob Rees-Mogg was wrong to infer that the inquiry might be at fault.

We emailed Jacob Rees-Mogg’s parliamentary office offering him the chance to respond. We are yet to receive a response.