London (CNN) Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of a hardline Brexit bloc and one of the driving forces behind a push to remove British Prime Minister Theresa May, has hinted that he would support fellow Conservative politician Boris Johnson as a future leader of the party. Rees-Mogg, the leader of the European Research Group, a faction of Conservative members of Parliament who have been staunchly opposed to May's Brexit deal, praised Johnson as a potential Conservative party leader in an interview on Sky News program "Sophy Ridge on Sunday." "I think very highly of Boris Johnson," Rees-Mogg said, arguing that the Brexit question aside, Johnson was a moderate figure among Conservatives who "could unite the party and win an election." Johnson, the former mayor of London, has been a frequent thorn in May's side, repeatedly stating his opposition to her Brexit plan and resigning as foreign secretary last year over her strategy. Johnson is popular with grassroots party members and has long held leadership ambitions.

Source: CNN April 07, 2019 11:48 UTC