Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has described David Jones's defection to Reform UK as "a real coup" for Nigel Farage, calling the former Welsh Secretary the most significant figure to switch sides so far.
Speaking to GB News host Martin Daubney, the former Conservative MP praised Jones as "an extremely able man, a nice man, a decent man" and a "long-standing Eurosceptic".
"I think he is the biggest figure that Reform has got to defect so far, as you say, a former Secretary of State, somebody who was very popular in the House of Commons, sensible, decent man, reasonable views, he's not in any sense a headbanger," Rees-Mogg said. "It's a real coup for Reform to have got David."
Jones served as Welsh Secretary between 2012 and 2014 before later working as a Brexit Minister under Theresa May.
Ex-Tory MP David JonesPAThe 72-year-old also held the position of deputy chairman of the influential European Research Group of Tory MPs from 2019 to 2024.
Jones represented Clwyd West in the House of Commons from 2005 to 2024, building a reputation as a committed Eurosceptic throughout his parliamentary career.
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Despite joining Reform UK, Jones confirmed he has "no intention of seeking elected office" and is joining "as a private individual", though he pledged to give the party his "full support in the elections ahead".
Jones explained his decision to join Reform UK in a statement, saying the party "best represents my views and, I believe, those of many others who have become disillusioned with the two old major parties".
Jacob Rees-Mogg has described David Jones's defection to Reform UK as "a real coup"
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He cited three key concerns driving his defection: "Across the country, people are rightly concerned about the rising cost of living, the escalating crisis of illegal immigration, and the steady erosion of our national sovereignty."
The former Welsh Secretary criticised both major parties' handling of these issues, stating: "Neither the Government nor the official Opposition is addressing these issues with the urgency or resolve they demand - indeed, the Government is actively surrendering our sovereignty at an alarming rate."
Jones concluded that "only Reform UK is demonstrating the determination needed to tackle the country's many problems and to improve the lives of people across Britain".
Jones's defection follows a series of recent Conservative departures to Reform UK, with former MPs Ross Thomson and Anne Marie Morris joining Farage's party in the past fortnight.
Asked whether any other "big beasts" could deflect to Reform UK, Rees-Mogg said: "I don't know of anyone who is planning to to defect.
"They're talking big beasts. I understand my daughter's been seeing pandas on her trip to Hong Kong, so there may be big beasts around the world who plan to do all sorts of things."
He added: "Reform has the political momentum."
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