It will be announced later this afternoon that Sam Coates, deputy editor of the influential ConservativeHome website is to become Dave’s deputy speechwriter.

The appointment of the social conservative will be seen as reassuring to the right of the party where Sam is seen as a promising and sound voice. There was a lot of competition for the vacancy created by Danny Kruger leaving. Presumably there will be a lot of competition for the vacancy he will leave at ConservativeHome…