A Tory leadership candidate has pulled out of the race for Number 10 - after failing to secure any public backers.
Rehman Chishti was a surprise entrant into the leadership contest at the weekend, and today he conceded that this dream of becoming PM had ended.
He confirmed that he had pulled out in a statement posted on Twitter, in which he wrote: "Having started my campaign only two days ago, I have given everything I possibly can in this period to step up and serve our great country.
"I based my campaign on the values I hold dear including aspirational conservatism, self-belief, resilience, and a vision based on an inclusive, fair and just society with fresh ideas and fresh people for a fresh start."
He described his bid for Number 10 as a "bottom up campaign" and said he ran it with no campaign managers.
Mr Chishti admitted: "I have not been able to secure the required number of nominations to formally enter the race."
The MP for Gillingham and Rainham said he would be weighing up which of the remaining nine candidates to back, stating: "I will now carefully look at the other candidates who have qualified and see how they relate to my values and vision for a fresh start..."
He thanked the media for "giving me an opportunity to set out my case".
The Conservative 1922 Committee yesterday ruled that candidates needed 20 backers in order to secure a place on the leadership ballot.
This number will rise to 30 for the next round.
Moments after Mr Chishti dropped out, Sajid Javid announced that he was also not going forward.
Mr Javid said: "Serving in Government is a true privilege. It has been just seven days since I took the difficult decision to resign from the most important job I have ever had, as Health Secretary during a pandemic.
"Since then, I have set out the values and policies I think are right for the future of our great country. I believe the party must now look outwards, not inwards, if we are to win again.
"There is an abundance of both ideas and talent in our party. One of the candidates will be given the honour of becoming Prime Minister.
"I look forward to seeing the debate unfold and to see colleagues working together as a united Conservative Party once the leadership election is concluded."
