Rehman Chishti, Member of Parliament for Gillingham and Rainham, spoke in Parliament this week to support Christians living in Pakistan.

Mr Chishti, who was elected as a Conservative MP last May, raised the question on Tuesday, during the Church Commissioner’s questions, following the assassination of the?Governor?of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer.

“What representations the Church Commissioners have made in support of Christians in Pakistan,” Mr Chishti asked the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Tony Baldry, who responded:

“It is a sad and terrible fact that Christian minorities who have lived peacefully in Muslim countries for generations are finding themselves subject to increasingly violent persecution.

“Churches have recently been attacked in Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria, and the assassination in Pakistan of Salmaan Taseer for defending a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death was particularly horrible.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Anglican Bishop of Lahore and, indeed, the Christian community as a whole in Pakistan are working hard to foster inter-faith collaboration in Pakistan during this time of difficulty.”

Mr Chishti then followed up with a supplementary question. “Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the former assassinated Governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, for the work that he did on this particular issue?

“Will my hon. Friend ensure that representations are made to the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the excellent work of Governor Taseer can continue?”

Mr Baldry responded by saying that “Salmaan Taseer was an incredibly brave man and his death is a tragedy for Pakistan.

“We would all do well to remember the words of Jinnah, the father of Pakistan, who said in terms that ‘you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship’.

“What I suspect every Member of this House hopes for is that there shall be freedom of religion throughout the world, and I am sure that, as a Chamber, we will continue to campaign for that wherever we have the opportunity.”

Mr Chishti was born in Pakistan and spent the first six years of his life there before his family moved to Gillingham.

Despite his Muslim background, he has supported worshippers of all faiths in the constituency since he was selected as the Conservatives’ parliamentary candidate in 2007, and has spoken several times in support of citizens of his native Pakistan.

Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless has explained his reasons for voting against the government in the controversial tuition fees debate, saying he cannot justify the “suddenness” of the increase.

Before the crucial vote to increase fees from just over ?3,000 per year to ?6,000, and, in some cases, ?9,000, per year, Mr Reckless met students from the University of Kent, and said he “was enormously impressed by the students who put their case to me”.

“They?asked?me why they should?have to?pay so much when Welsh and Scottish and in many cases EU students did not have to pay at all.”

Mr Reckless was explaining to residents and students on his website why he voted against the coalition’s proposals, which were won by 323 votes to 302.

“I found it particularly difficult to justify the suddenness of the move with one student required to pay only around ?3000 but then another student, potentially a sister just one year behind at school, expected to pay two or three times more with very little warning,” Mr Reckless said.

“I also believe that as MPs we should make decisions and whenever possible try and explain those likely decisions before an election, rather than use a report from someone who is not elected, however distinguished, to justify a decision (the Browne Report).”

Drawing comparisons with other aspects of the UK budget, Mr Reckless added “I then?showed David Willetts, the universities minister,?detailed statistics showing that 46% of EU students due to repay a loan from the British taxpayer were in default.

“I have also asked?govenment ministers?how thay can?justify an 80% decrease in grant to universities?in the context?of a 60% increase in?our net?payments to the EU.

“I cannot justify it, and voted accordingly.”

Mr Reckless was one of just six Conservative MPs to vote against the proposals, whilst a further two abstained. On Thursday, Alan W Collins published Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch‘s reasons for abstaining.

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti voted in favour of the proposals, saying during the debate that “One has to consider the overall package rather than single elements for its progressiveness, fairness and justness.

“As well as there being no up-front fees, the increase in the threshold from ?15,000 to ?21,000 has to be a good thing. There will be a cap at ?6,000 and then at ?9,000, linked to exceptional circumstances. Some of the highest-performing universities will have to go out and ensure that students from less privileged backgrounds take part.

“That is absolutely right and fair.”

Conservative Councillors Mark Reckless (Rochester West) and Rehman Chishti (Rainham Central) achieved majorities of over 9,000 in last week’s elections in Rochester and Strood and Gillingham and Rainham respectively.

However, rather than prompt by-elections in their wards, they have decided to remain on the council, although Cllr Chishti has given up his cabinet portfolio, as their council constituents are also their constituents in Parliament.

Labour Councillor Bill Esterson, meanwhile, has refused to rule out remaining as River ward councillor after moving to his new Sefton Central constituency with his family.

He leaves his conservative counterpart Cllr Craig Mackinlay to handle the casework in the two-member ward, prompting concerns over the interests of their constituents.

A Medway Council spokesman stated that it was up to individuals to decide on their futures, saying that there was no formal requirement for any of the three to resign.

For many Medway residents, the general election will not be the only time they head for the polls this year.

Residents in Gillingham North, Gillingham South, Rainham Central, River, Rochester East, Rochester South and Horsted and Rochester West wards all face the prospects of a second visit to the polling station weeks after the general election.

Of course, not all of the wards will face a by-election, but at least one of them will almost-definitely be heading to the polls a second time, and anywhere up to four wards may see the familiar signs up more than once.

Which wards will, it’s hard to say. But all (bar one) of them are represented by councillors hoping to bag a 60,000 pounds plus per year job representing the likes of you and I in Parliament (and trying to not to be tempted by the lure of expenses!).

The exception, of course, is Rochester South and Horsted, where former Conservative Councillor Nick Brice has yet to decide on his future after being caught kerb-crawling. However, I am not going to be drawn into a discussion about whether or not he should go, as that is not what this article is about. Smart money says, though, that we are unlikely to see a by-election there any time soon.

So to the crux of my thinking. In Rochester and Strood, Geoff Juby (LD, Gillingham South), Teresa Murray (Lab, Rochester East) and Mark Reckless (Con, Rochester West) are all hoping to replace Bob Marshall-Andrews as the constituency MP. In short, unless something major should happen between now and then, one of the above will be vacating their seat on the council.

In Gillingham and Rainham, Paul Clark MP has announced that he will be trying to cling onto his seat, facing a challenge from Rehman Chishti (Con, Rainham Central) and Andy Stamp (LD, Gillingham North). That gives a two-in-three chance that there will be a second by-election.

The more observant will realise that that still leaves River ward. Well Bill Esterson (Lab) is leaving us to fight his own battle up in Sefton Central, although he’s not actually leaving the council just yet – but that’s another story.

So I’m going to throw my neck on the line and make a prediction – that by the end of the year, by-elections will have been held in Rainham Central, River and Rochester West wards, as Conservatives Rehman Chishti and Mark Reckless see the fruits of their hard work pull off and win huge majorities in the election, whilst Labour’s Bill Esterson secures a wafer-thin majority.

In the subsequent by-elections, Rainham Central (one of the Conservatives’ newest safest seats) would remain blue (although I cannot thus far see any possible contenders for the candidacy), River would turn blue (as it already turned half-blue in 2007, but again I cannot see any possible candidates) and Rochester West would also remain blue (and I have in mind a possible candidate, or two, but shall remain tight-lipped for the time being).

But don’t hold me to that!

Cllr O?Brien said ‘we have worked hard at producing a site that is easy for constituents to use and navigate through, the intention is to keep residents up to date with the work that their local Conservative Councillor’s are doing on their behalf.

‘In addition there are useful links to PACT committees, rubbish collection news and views etc. Also residents can use the contact section to reach their Councillor’s with the minimum of fuss.

‘We hope that this is one more step in achieving our stated policy of Making a difference to the people of Rainham.’

The website can be seen at www.rainhamcentralconservatives.co.uk.

Cllr Rehman Chishti, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Gillingham and Rainham, has launched a new campaign billboard in Gillingham.

Cllr Chishti’s billboard is situated at the very top of Canterbury Street, and replaces the UK Independence Party’s European election poster, which appeared to have been attacked by vandals.

The billboard directs residents to Cllr Chishti’s website, specifically asking to support his petition ‘for more police officers on our streets’.

Referring to Cllr Rehman Chishti, who was elected as the Parliamentary Candidate to a standing ovation almost two years ago, Bob Oakley said ‘the Conservatives’ candidate is not that popular within his own party’.

Mr Oakley was speaking after the Eruopean Election results, in which UKIP came in second. Although most commentators agree that votes will shift from UKIP to the Conservatives at a general election, Mr Oakley stated ‘I think we shall do well in the general election’.

His claims as to Cllr Chishti’s internal popularity appear to be just as misguided. This author has heard no such disquiet amongst the local Conservative ranks, although there were admittedly some people who preferred other candidates during the selection stage in June & July 2007.

Indeed all the noises being heard from the Gillingham & Rainham membership at present appear to be resoundingly supportive of Cllr Chishti’s campaign, and many members are doing all they can to ensure that he is the successful candidate at the next general election.

Medway will today celebrate the mighty Gills’ long-awaited change in fortunes.

Medway Council were remaining tight-lipped about celebration plans prior to Saturday’s dramatic win over Shrewsbury, but confirmed afterwards that they would laying on a victory parade and an open-top bus.

Politicians, including Gillingham and Rainham MP Paul Clark and his Conservative opponent Cllr Rehman Chishti, joined the 35,000-strong Gills following to watch the last-minute triumph to take the club back to League One.

Today’s celebrations, outlined on the Medway Messenger website, start at Rochester Castle at noon – where the team will asemble on a specially-constructed stage with the Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Rodney Chambers, and the Mayor of Medway, Cllr David Royle, in front of a banner with the words ‘Medway salutes Gillingham FC – Champions’.

Then the parade will kick off at 12:30, taking them along Rochester Bridge west bound, Strood High Street, Rochester Bridge east bound, Corporation Street, Lower High Street, Medway Street, Globe Lane, Dock Road, Wood Street, Brompton Road, Arden Street, Jeffrey Street and Balmoral Road.

The team is expected to arrive at Priestfield Stadium at about 13:30.

Alan W Collins has just received news that a Shadow Cabinet Minister has been in Gillingham today.

According to information received by this author, Conservative MP Theresa May has been in Gillingham High Street today.

Theresa May, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, started off by visiting the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham North ward, before helping Parliamentary Candidate Rehman Chishti on a street stall in Gillingham High Street.

Amongst other campaigners helping on the street stall and handing out the latest Gillingham & Rainham Reporter (pictured) were Medway Councillors Vaughan Hewett and Mike O’Brien.

The Medway Messenger has the full story here.

Labour MPs Paul Clark (Gillingham & Rainham) and Jonathan Shaw (Chatham & Aylesford) both voted against the Lib Dem-introduced motion supporting the Gurkhas, backed also by the Conservative Party.

In the same week he launched a damaging attack on the Prime Minister, Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews (Medway) voted in favour of the motion, which was passed after a rebellion from backbench Labour MPs.

Rehman Chishti, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Gillingham & Rainham, said on his website ‘I am disappointed that the local MP has turned his back on the Gurkhas by refusing to support this motion, especially when they have done so much for this country and have strong links with Gillingham’.

Tracey Crouch, Reh’s counterpart in Chatham & Aylesford, said on her website that the ‘Conservatives joined the Liberal Democrats and some Labour MPs to vote against the Government’s policy on restricting the right of former Gurkhas to stay in the UK. Our own local MP ignored the feelings of many people in Chatham & Aylesford and voted in favour of the restrictions, which according to the Gurkha Justice Campaign would help only a limited number of veterans’.

The full voting record for the motion can be found over at The Public Whip.