Sam Gyimah just announced he will be joining the Tory leadership race, taking them to a baker's dozen. He wants an explicit final say on the Brexit deal, ie a second referendum. But as the interviewer points out, that sadly means he will never get chosen. #ridge

He states that his referendum would have 3 options on the ballot paper:
- Remain
- Theresa May's deal
- No deal

He then goes on to say that he would personally vote Remain out of those 3 options, but would not actively campaign for that option.

So far he's made it past the 5-minute mark without saying anything daft. And I am listening very, very carefully.

Ends with "I would find it difficult to serve in the Cabinet of any Prime Minister pursuing a no-deal Brexit." That's pretty clear (politicians almost never use the word "won't")

All in, a very solid first interview. Pity he's not going to get anywhere, because of Tory members.

My gut instinct (could be wrong): decent guy who wants to make sure the news coverage around the Tory leadership contest isn't just no deal, no deal, no deal. His candidacy keeps the rational Remain position in the picture.

So I'll suspend my cynicism for now, but stay vigilant.