MP Mark Reckless had no hesitation backing a Medway Messenger campaign to support long-suffering commuters – he was stranded at Rochester railway station.

Anxious about getting to an important meeting for 4pm on Wednesday, he watched as trains sped through to make up for lost time due to problems with the conductor rail further down the line.

It was just as the Medway Messenger rang the Rochester MP to ask if he would support the paper’s campaign to improve the lot for commuters that a high speed train suddenly pulled into the station and stopped.

Mr Reckless said: "I’m catching this one. This has become ridiculous. I have been waiting for some time and no trains have stopped."

"I have a 4pm meeting in London and I shall obviously be late for it now.

"I should be delighted to support your campaign."

To make up time on delayed trains, Southeastern routed trains non-stop through Rochester.

Trains did stop – but only at "the big stations", according to a spokesman for the rail operator.

A Southeastern spokesman said they had a bigger responsibility to get home the 150,000 passengers they had taken to London in the morning.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, who has been vocal in her criticism of the performances of Southeastern and Network Rail has also supported our campaign.

However, Gillingham Rainham's Rehman Chishti has declined. His official spokesman said: "Having seen the content he cannot sign up to the campaign. However, Rehman will continue to fight for a better deal for commuters."