As Guido revealed in yesterday’s Sun column, it is not just Tory MPs who are on the receiving end of the PM’s summer charm offensive. Former Chairmen of the Conservative Party also got the Downing Street drinks party treatment. Current Chairman Grant Shapps and his disgruntled predecessor Sayeeda Warsi were joined recently by blasts from the past like Norman Tebbit, Cecil Parkinson, Norman Fowler, Chris Patten and Maurice Saatchi.

The old guard and more modern faces like Liam Fox and Theresa May – all of whom have done time in the Chairman’s seat – were on hand to offer advice, though Guido understands not all of it was greeted with enthusiasm.

No sign of Eric Pickles…