Rory Stewart sent shockwaves through Westminster this week when he announced that he was standing down as an MP to run for London mayor.
Stewart, who shot to fame when he unsuccessfully ran for Tory leader earlier this year, became known for his unorthodox campaigning techniques.
His #RoryWalks videos became legendary, as did his trips to the pub with total strangers to debate politics.
He will run for mayor as an independent candidate against Tory pick Shaun Bailey and incumbent Labour candidate Sadiq Khan.
Asked for his favourite London boozer Rory Stewart MP tells Channel 4 News, "I'm not a big boozer... I'm the kind o… https://t.co/ibZacNXHm0— Channel 4 News (@Channel 4 News) 1570212579
After the unexpected news, Stewart was interviewed by Channel 4’s Cathy Newman. During the interview, Newman asked Stewart what his favourite pub in London was.
His answer has, shall we say, raised a few eyebrows. He said:
God I’m not much of a boozer, that’s a terrible question.
When Newman pointed out you don’t have to drink alcohol in a pub, he said:
I’m afraid to say I’m the kind of guy who spends his time going to Pret a Manger.
Capturing the mood of the city, Newman concluded:
Oh dear, you may lose some votes there.
On Twitter, people found Stewart’s fondness for sandwich chain Pret a Manger hilarious.
@Channel4News https://t.co/8wQMrA6W7A— Paul Robert Baldwin (@Paul Robert Baldwin) 1570212638
Keep this man away from London. https://t.co/zKPVC63C7K— Ash Sarkar (@Ash Sarkar) 1570272405
Though others stuck up for the mayoral candidate, saying there are more important things.
@AaronBastani There's plenty of perfectly reasonable points to critique him on. Not having a favourite London boozer is a weird flex.— Mike Stuchbery 💀🍷 (@Mike Stuchbery 💀🍷) 1570276507
@MikeStuchbery_ @AaronBastani At least he doesn't pretend to "make models of busses"— fairy nuff (@fairy nuff) 1570277804
@AaronBastani @trexfan2 Does Rory Stewart now have to down pints in a pub, with a cig in his hand to appeal to the… https://t.co/aHpsMNloB6— Natalie Rowe (@Natalie Rowe) 1570278044
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