With Mail Political Editor James Chapman off to spin for Osborne and not expected to write another word in the paper, the race to succeed him in one of the best jobs in political journalism is well under way…

The Daily Mail, more than other papers, likes its people to be Mail born and bred. This makes an internal promotion most likely, or failing that, someone with strong links to the paper. In light of that here are your current runners and riders:

James Slack
Daily Mail Home Affairs Editor

Slack was sent by Mail HQ to spend time in Westminster during the election and has also impressed as a leader writer, making people think he was being groomed for the job. Understood to be very well thought of by Dacre, but it is unclear if he wants this gig and to take himself off commentary. Experience in the regional lobby. Current favourite.

Jason Groves
Daily Mail Deputy Political Editor

Described by colleagues as “solid” and an “unflappable pro” with good contacts, but deputies don’t often step up. He will stand in for Chappers over the next few weeks and months, so has a chance to shine. Not to be ruled out.

Katherine Faulkner
Former Mail deputy news editor, now Investigations Editor

Faulkner is definitely in the running having a had some big hits during the election on NHS data. She was given the investigations job after attempts to poach her from elsewhere. While she has no previous experience in politics, that might be deemed a bonus if they want to shape coverage from Kensington. A woman in the job is certainly overdue…

Matt Chorley
Political Editor of MailOnline

Though web based, Chorley’s well researched ‘exclusives’ are regularly taken into the paper. He has been in the Lobby forever and friends say he is well liked internally. A good eye for fun stories but also has good contacts. Would trigger a messy power struggle between the paper and the website. 

Tim Shipman
Sunday Times Political Editor

After two spells in the Mail political team – including five years as Deputy Pol Ed – Shippers has spent the last year at the helm of the Sunday Times team. He already knows the Mail team and desk and has been re-hired once before by Dacre. Eminently qualified, but not cheap and may be having too much fun where he is…

Glen Owen
Mail on Sunday Political Correspondent

Would escalate the war with Mail on Sunday Editor Geordie Greig, but Owen is a hard hitter with a track record of scoops. An expensive outside bet…

Peter Dominiczak + Steven Swinford
Telegraph Political Editor + Deputy

Would Tony Gallagher be able to restrain himself from stealing from his old patch? Dominiczak would be more expensive than Swinford but both are solid hacks. After Christopher Hope turned down an approach from the Mail a while back, Media Guido understands it’s unlikely he will be approached again. Besides, why would anyone ever want to leave the Telegraph?

Other names doing the rounds are the Sun’s Steve Hawkes and the Express’ Macer Hall. Sam Coates and James Lyons of the Times and Sunday Times respectively are certainly qualified.

And now you know.