Jacob Rees-Mogg issues style guide of banned words and grammar instructions to office staff
Jacob Rees-Mogg has issued a set of rules for his office staff, including a list of banned words, grammar instructions and a demand for imperial measurements.
Mr Rees-Mogg, who was appointed Leader of the House of Commons by Boris Johnson on Wednesday, has also insisted that all non-titled men are called ‘Esquire’.
The style guide, obtained by ITV News, was reportedly drawn up several years ago by staff at the Brexiteer’s North East Somerset constituency team but he hasn’t wasted any time sharing it with officials in his new office.
Banned words include: very, due to, unacceptable, equal, yourself, lot, got, speculate, meet with, ascertain and disappointment.
It instructs staff to avoid "too many 'Is'" in their writing, as well as saying that Mr Rees-Mogg will not be "pleased to learn" anything, he will not "note/understand your concerns" nor will he "invest (in schools etc)".
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It also says the phrase "no longer fit for purpose" has been deemed no longer fit for purpose.
The guide includes the instructions:"CHECK your work" as well as calling for a double space after full stops and no comma after the word "and".
Asked on his LBC show about the ban on certain words, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "These are for my letters. This list was drawn up by my staff.
"And when you read through a letter you see something that says 'it was very important', but, probably not actually, it's probably just important.
"'Unacceptable' is a dreadful, weasel word. Such an ugly word.
"It is used when people mean 'wrong' but they don't have the courage to say so.
"The use of the words is to hide meaning rather than to elucidate meaning, and, therefore you should use words that elucidate meaning."
