A Kent MP could be about to throw his hat into the ring to become the next Tory leader and Prime Minister.

Gillingham and Rainham's Rehman Chishti has emerged as a surprise candidate for the top job, following the resignation of Boris Johnson yesterday.

The former Medway councillor, who was first elected to Westminster in 2010, is a vice chairman of the party.

Speaking to PoliticsHome he said the country needs a leader "who best reflects modern Britain".

He added: "As someone who came to our great country at the age of six not speaking a word of English, first in the family to go to university and qualify as a barrister at 24, and a Conservative MP for the past 12 years, our country is a land of opportunity for all and I want every one to get the best chance in life.

"In the coming days I will be reflecting on how best I can serve our country with my own experience and background.

"Our country and party needs new ideas and fresh leadership."

After news of the Kent MP's possible bid to be Prime Minister, social media and his constituents reacted, with some questioning whether he is the right man for the job.

Former Labour councillor Mr Chishti defected to the Conservative Party in 2006 having stood in the 2005 General Election against Francis Maude.

Just 27-years-old at the time he was a ward councillor for the opposition for Gillingham North.

Medway Labour leader Vince Maple, who represents Chatham ward, says families across the Towns have lost trust in politics after recent Tory rule.

He said “Frankly the beauty contest currently ongoing in the Conservative Party doesn’t help families across Medway who are currently struggling with the cost of living crisis or who have lost trust in politics because of the current law breaking, liar in chief Boris Johnson.

"The Prime Minister that Medway and the country needs is Keir Starmer.”

More follows.