Introduction
Annunziata Rees-Mogg is a name closely tied to both the political and journalistic landscapes of the United Kingdom. As the sister of Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and the daughter of the late William Rees-Mogg, a former editor of The Times, she has navigated both the worlds of media and politics with her unique voice. Known for her strong stance on Brexit, her political career, and her influence in conservative circles, Annunziata has carved out a path that reflects both her family legacy and her own convictions. In this article, we will explore her career, her personal life, her education, her current work, and the impact she has had in the realms of journalism and politics.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 25, 1979, in Bath, Somerset, Annunziata Rees-Mogg grew up in a family where political and media discussions were a constant presence. Her father, William Rees-Mogg, was a prominent journalist and editor of The Times, and her brother, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has been a long-serving Conservative Member of Parliament (MP). From an early age, Annunziata was exposed to the intricacies of British politics and media, which played a significant role in shaping her own career.
Annunziata attended Godolphin and Latymer School, a prestigious private school in London, where she excelled in History, Chemistry, and Economics at A-Level. However, rather than pursuing a traditional university education, Annunziata opted for a career path that allowed her to dive straight into the world of work. She later reflected that not attending university was a decision that allowed her to explore various professional avenues early on, and it set the stage for her future in journalism and politics.
Annunziata Rees-Mogg Career in Journalism
Annunziata’s professional journey began in journalism, where she found her footing as a writer with a keen interest in economics and politics. Her early work in journalism allowed her to merge her academic interests with her career ambitions.
- Deputy Editor at MoneyWeek: Annunziata served as the Deputy Editor of MoneyWeek, a leading financial magazine, where she honed her skills in financial reporting and market analysis. Her time at MoneyWeek allowed her to become an authority on economic policy and financial markets, which would later shape her political opinions.
- Leader-Writer for The Daily Telegraph: After her time at MoneyWeek, Annunziata worked as a leader-writer for The Daily Telegraph, where she focused on political commentary and economic issues. Her writing was often aligned with conservative and Eurosceptic views, especially on issues of national sovereignty and the European Union.
- Editor of European Journal: Annunziata also held the position of Editor of European Journal, a publication that reflected her Eurosceptic views. Her editorial work focused on issues surrounding the European Union, regulation, and economic independence, which aligned with her growing political beliefs.
Throughout her journalistic career, Annunziata developed a reputation as a thoughtful commentator on economic policy and European affairs. Her Euroscepticism was particularly evident in her criticism of EU regulations and her belief that the UK should regain control over its economic and political decisions.
Annunziata Rees-Mogg Political Career: A Journey from Conservative to Brexit Party
Annunziata’s political career has been marked by her strong stance on Brexit and her commitment to national sovereignty. Her career in politics reflects a combination of ambition, conviction, and family influence.
Early Political Attempts
- 2005 & 2010 Parliamentary Candidacies: Annunziata first dipped her toes into politics in 2005 when she stood as the Conservative Party candidate for Aberavon in the general election. She stood again in 2010 for Somerton and Frome. Unfortunately, both attempts were unsuccessful, but they marked the beginning of her political journey.
Joining the Brexit Party
- 2019 MEP Candidacy: After years of political engagement with the Conservative Party, Annunziata made a bold move in 2019 by joining The Brexit Party, founded by Nigel Farage. Her decision to join the party stemmed from her dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s handling of Brexit and her belief that the UK needed to regain control over its political and economic decisions.
- Elected as MEP: In May 2019, Annunziata was successfully elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the East Midlands region. Her victory in the European Parliament elections was a significant milestone in her career, as it allowed her to directly engage with the Brexit process and represent the views of the Eurosceptic public. She served as an MEP from July 2019 until January 2020, when the UK officially left the European Union, and British MEP seats were abolished.
During her time in the European Parliament, Annunziata worked on various committees and represented the interests of her constituents in debates on EU policy, economic matters, and national sovereignty.
Return to the Conservative Party
- Rejoining the Conservatives: In December 2019, after the UK’s general election and with the Brexit process nearing completion, Annunziata left the Brexit Party and rejoined the Conservative Party. Her decision was driven by her alignment with the Conservative Party’s post-Brexit strategy and the direction of the government under Boris Johnson. Her re-entry into the Conservative fold reflected her commitment to her family’s political legacy, as well as her belief in the party’s future direction.
Annunziata Rees-Mogg Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Children
Annunziata’s personal life has remained relatively private, although her family background and marriage have drawn some attention. She is married to Matthew Glanville, a senior management consultant, whom she wed in November 2010 in a private ceremony in Lucca, Italy. The couple has three children, though Annunziata has kept details about their family life largely out of the public eye.
Annunziata’s family is well-known in British politics, with her brother, Jacob Rees-Mogg, serving as a Conservative MP. Their father, William Rees-Mogg, was a highly respected journalist and former editor of The Times, which further cemented Annunziata’s connection to the world of politics and media. Despite the high-profile nature of her family, Annunziata has managed to maintain a level of privacy, balancing her public career with family life in Lincolnshire.
Current Work: Head of Communications and Public Discourse
After her time as an MEP, Annunziata has continued to shape conservative discourse in the UK. She currently serves as the Head of Communications for Popular Conservatism (PopCon), a political group within the broader conservative movement. In this role, Annunziata works on strategic messaging, outreach, and public engagement, helping to shape the future of conservative politics in a post-Brexit Britain.
Her background in journalism and politics provides her with the tools to influence public opinion and contribute to conservative strategies in both the media and political spheres.
Annunziata Rees-Mogg Impact and Achievements
Annunziata Rees-Mogg’s impact in both journalism and politics has been significant. She has used her platform to advocate for Brexit, challenge EU regulations, and shape the political discourse around national sovereignty and economic freedom. Her journalistic career, which included positions at MoneyWeek, The Daily Telegraph, and European Journal, allowed her to influence public opinion on important economic and political issues.
In politics, her role as a Brexit Party MEP allowed her to represent the views of those who felt disenfranchised by the political establishment and advocated for a cleaner break from the European Union. Although her time in the European Parliament was brief, her election marked a significant moment in her political journey.
Conclusion
Annunziata Rees-Mogg’s career has been marked by her strong commitment to Brexit, her career in financial journalism, and her work within the Conservative Party. From her early days in the world of media to her tenure as a Member of the European Parliament, Annunziata has shaped political discourse in the UK and remains an influential figure in conservative circles. Whether through her work at PopCon, her contributions to political strategy, or her role as a journalist, Annunziata’s career continues to evolve in the changing landscape of British politics.
Her ability to balance a high-profile public career with family life makes her a unique figure in British political life, and her future contributions to both media and politics will likely continue to influence the direction of the UK’s post-Brexit identity.