Rehman Chishti wants to be the next Prime Minister

This is not a joke.

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They say a week is a long time in politics, but at this point, a couple of hours is. I’ve had to hastily rewrite this edition following the comments from one of our MPs. What weird times we live in. As ever, thanks for reading and all that, but here’s to a few weeks of slightly less tumultuous political times at least.

Rehman Chishti wants to be the next Prime Minister

Rehman Chishti, Boris Johnson, close friend and donor Colin Jarvis, and others at Avenue Tennis in Gillingham

I can’t even believe I’m having to type that headline. I was hoping after the last few years we might enter a stage in politics that isn’t inherently ridiculous, but here we are.

Speaking to PoliticsHome this morning, Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti confirmed that he was indeed considering a bid to become Conservative Party leader and, as such, Prime Minister:

"In the coming days I will be reflecting on how best I can serve our country with my own experience and background having been a parliamentarian for over 12 years. Our country  and party needs new ideas and fresh leadership.”

Rehman Chishti @Rehman_Chishti

As we look to elect a new @Conservatives leader, as equals all MPs must consider over coming days how we can serve our country 🇬🇧 & party in these difficult times. We must champion aspirational conservatism & equality of opportunity for all, as I explained in this 2018 interview

I don’t even know where to start with this.

The very idea seems to border on delusion. Chishti seems to have little national profile, has held no significant public office, has little in the way of allies within the party, and is a consistent figure of mockery in his own constituency.

But other than all that, what can go wrong?