Michael Fallon to replace Lord Ashcroft as Tory deputy chairman

So says Benedict Brogan, who rightly describes this as a “smart appointment”:

“Mr Fallon is being brought in to CCHQ to help Lady Warsi, who has not so far succeeded in establishing herself as a media voice for the Coalition. Mr Fallon is an adept media performer (and a regular and fluent commentator in the Telegraph – would more politicians could write like him). My sense is that this is much more about creating an unofficial minister for the Today programme, available at all times to go into the studios and defend the Government or duff up the Opposition, or both. Those who wondered as we approached Tory conference what Dave was doing to give the Tory side a stronger voice will be applauding him tonight.”