ConservativeHome reveals four more names this morning on the A-list top-up. Thirty names have now been identified of a top-up of approximately fifty. It's taking us longer than last time but we will get there - not least when our contacts in the next tranche of selecting Associations start receiving applications from those on the Priority List... One of the new four names is the most controversial yet... Rehman Chishti.
Mr Chishti was the Labour candidate for Horsham at the last General Election - flying the Labour colours against Francis Maude. But on 14th March 2006 he defected to the Conservatives. A thrilled CCHQ made 'Chishti The Movie' and Francis Maude installed the convert as his adviser on diversity and ethnic minorities.
Mr Chishti hasn't been a Tory member for six months but has already been promoted to the A-list. CCHQ must have taken the decision in full knowledge that the elevation would enrage long-standing Tories who have given years of service to the party but have been denied A-list status. Still obsessively studying the New Labour playbook, Central Office are determined to show all potential defectors that the Conservative Party will make it worthwhile to 'cross the floor'.
ConservativeHome has limited knowledge of Rehman Chishti and he may thoroughly deserve his A-list status but one of his reasons for leaving Labour - Tony Blair's failure to secure UN approval for the Iraq campaign - suggests a leftish faith in the wisdom of multilateral institutions.
