Steerpike

Over the years David Cameron has faced much scrutiny over his close relationship with Rupert Murdoch -- as well as News UK's Rebekah Brooks. However as far as Mr S can remember, the Prime Minister never allowed Murdoch to sit in on important meetings with Cabinet members. So Steerpike was interested to read Sarah Vine's account in today's Mail of a supper she and her husband Michael Gove attended at Boris Johnson's house ahead of the pair backing Brexit. Also in attendance were Johnson's wife Marina Wheeler and... Evgeny Lebedev, the owner of the Independent and the Evening Standard: 'Now David would inevitably feel let down. Michael was between a rock and a hard place. Be true to himself and disappoint his friend; support the Prime Minister and betray his principles.

Although David Cameron insists that he wishes to remain on good terms with his Brexit-supporting Cabinet members, he's not planning to make life easy for them. Today Sir Jeremy Heywood, the Cabinet Secretary, has issued new guidance relating to the referendum that means SpAds and civil servants are banned from assisting Eurosceptic ministers with any material that could be used to back Brexit during office hours.

Although the Conservative party is currently divided over the EU, some Tory MPs are still managing to remember to attack the opposition party -- rather than their colleagues. Today the Commons returned firmly to 'Punch and Judy' politics following Cameron's EU statement in the Commons. As Jeremy Corbyn gave his reply, Chris Pincher -- the MP for Tamworth -- couldn't resist having the last laugh. The incident occurred as the Labour leader discussed his recent trip to Brussels: Jeremy Corbyn: Last week -- like him -- I was in Brussels, meeting with heads of government and leaders of European socialist parties, one of whom said to me... Chris Pincher: Who are you?

With Boris Johnson set to back Brexit, the Mayor of London has received a special delivery from Vote Leave ahead of his announcement. Vote Leave's Cleo Watson arrived at his address this afternoon to drop off some Brexit merchandise: https://twitter.com/theousherwood/status/701432205659217920 Watson says she 'hopes it's something he'll find useful in the next couple of months': https://twitter.com/C4Ciaran/status/701430896122011652 Meanwhile not everyone is so excited by Johnson's support. Labour's Jess Phillips has suggested that BoJo's involvement may not be such a coup for the Out camp. https://twitter.

Back in 2009 Damian McBride had to step down from his role as Gordon Brown's advisor after leaked emails revealed that he had been part of a proposed sex smear campaign against the Tories. The emails showed that McBride was embroiled in a plot to damage the reputations of senior Tories with smears relating to their private lives. While Ed Miliband took steps to distance himself from McBride during his time as Labour leader, it appears there is a space for the disgraced spinner in Corbyn's 'straight talking, honest politics'. McBride has been hired as Lady Nugee's media advisor. The Huffington Post reports that the disgraced spinner applied for the job serving Emily Thornberry in her role as shadow defence secretary after spying the vacancy online.

The Duke of Cambridge caused much excitement today with a speech he gave to British diplomats at the Foreign Office. In the speech, Prince William spoke about the importance of uniting with other nations: 'In an increasingly turbulent world, our ability to unite in common action with other nations is essential. It is the bedrock of our security and prosperity and is central to your work. Right now, the big questions with which you wrestle – in the UN, Nato, the Middle East and elsewhere – are predicated on your commitment to working in partnership with others.' Story hungry hacks took his words as a hint that the royal is backing the In campaign in the EU referendum.

Since Robert Peston departed the BBC to join ITV as their new political editor, he has taken a relaxed approach when it comes to workwear. Earlier this month he raised eyebrows when he wore a cap and a faux fur coat for a news broadcast. Now the Tory MP Nicholas Soames has called him out over his casual fashion sense. The incident occurred after Peston attempted to compliment Soames on a disparaging tweet the Tory grandee had written about John Redwood, the Conservative MP: https://twitter.com/Peston/status/699254208785162241 Alas Soames -- who is Winston Churchill's grandson -- wasn't having any of it, and soon replied telling Peston to 'get a haircut, put on a tie and generally smarten up': https://twitter.