SpAds across government are preparing for their next jobs – some are planning on staying closer to politics than others. Local Tories have spotted Will Tanner, the PM’s Deputy Chief of Staff and founder of centrist Tory think tank Onward, on visits to Tory functions in Essex, including recent association social events in Basildon and Billericay – majority 20,412 and held by standing down MP John Baron. Guido also notices an incognito Tanner popped up in the back of a group of Tory canvassers in Epping three days ago. He won’t thank Richard Holden for posting that one…

Tanner is joining the rest of the Onward crew in visiting safe(ish) seats. Deputy Director Adam Hawksbee has dropped into association meetings in Tory safe seat Solihull and is seen as a top contender there. Nick Timothy has already bagged the selection for Matt Hancock’s West Suffolk. Seb Payne has had no luck yet. Guido hears the crew have a gentleman’s agreement not to apply against one another…

While its staff look for seats Onward is quietly preparing a large-scale initiative with a six-figure price tag to push the Tory Party leftwards following a bruising election defeat. To have its generals in Parliament would aid that project…