Rees-Mogg defeat could be ‘Portillo moment’ for Tories

Jacob Rees-Mogg is odds-on at 8/15 with William Hill to lose his North East Somerset seat at the next general election.

The leading bookmaker make Rees-Mogg a less-likely 11/8 to retain the seat he has held since 2010, likening the former business secretary to Michael Portillo, who lost his Enfield Southgate constituency in 1997 amid a Labour onslaught.

Following two devastating by-election losses in traditional strongholds, Tory MPs with 10,000 and 15,000 majorities – which would usually be considered safe – will now be worrying whether they have a sufficient buffer to retain their seats.

A repeat of recent losses on a national stage would mean a comfortable Labour majority for Sir Keir Starmer.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Following the shock Tory defeats in last week’s Mid-Bedfordshire and Tamworth by-elections, it looks as though there could be some big names toppled at the next general election.

“If there is to be a Portillo moment that spells defeat for the Tories, it could be the loss of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s North East Somerset seat, with the long-standing MP 8/15 to be voted out.

“Michael Fabricant could well lose his Lichfield seat at 5/4, while it isn’t out of the question that Rishi Sunak fails to hold his Richmond seat at 2/1.”

General Election Conservative Specials:

Related: Where did all the money go?