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Lynton Crosby, the Australian political strategist long associated with the Tories, unwittingly chose last night to throw his firm’s Christmas party at the V&A.

Ministers — some coming directly from reading Theresa May’s 500-page divorce deal at No 10 — were out in force to enjoy, as one former minister put it, “the last glass of champagne before the Brexit hangover”. “Lynton was very friendly, over-friendly,” he continued. “He was trying to say, ‘I’m not just a Boris man.’” Crosby, of course, masterminded Boris Johnson’s successful mayoral campaigns in 2008 and 2012 and helped the Tories win a shock general election victory in 2015. Although present, Johnson was not the focus. “It was Lynton’s chance to remind people ‘there might be an election coming up — I’m still the election master’,” one backbencher said.

Among Cabinet members present were Gavin Williamson, Defence Secretary; Liz Truss, Chief Secretary to the Treasury; and Matt Hancock, Health Secretary. Former secretaries of state included David Davis, Amber Rudd, Damian Green, Michael Fallon and Patrick McLoughlin. Davis said the mood was “upbeat”, but refused to comment on May’s deal. “With these things I think you’ve got to read them first,” he said. “I haven’t read it yet.” However, an hour earlier, perhaps having conferred with colleagues who had, he tweeted: “Cabinet and all Conservative MPs should stand up, be counted and say no to this capitulation.”

James Cleverly, Tory deputy chairman, described the party as “just a group of friends who worked together celebrating with a drink”. And canapés included macaroons (which came in chocolate, coffee, and Oreo flavour). David Lidington, the Remain-voting minister for the Cabinet Office grimaced when asked if he’d enjoyed himself.

Another minister not feeling celebratory told us: “This feels like our Norway moment,” a reference to the 1940 Norway debate that saw Winston Churchill replace Neville Chamberlain. “It could all end very quickly.”

The mood in the Tory Party has changed, he said. “The Brexit chicken is coming home to roost and it’s s****ing over everybody.”

Facetime promise

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg may have turned down yet another invitation to appear before the Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport, but its head, Damian Collins, still holds out hope. “There will be a chair for Mark Zuckerberg come what may,” he told us at the Graduate Fashion Foundation Reception in Parliament last night.

Collins is planning an “international grand committee” featuring political representatives from around the world looking at evidence on “disinformation and fake news”. “It’s quite a big statement if you don’t come.”

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Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, the former MI5 head who inspired Judi Dench’s M in the Bond films, received a lifetime achievement honour at last night’s Variety Catherine Awards. She shared the secret of her success: “You don’t need role models. And never try to copy your former boss — do it your own way.”

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Emma Barnett stumbled across a review of her stand-in stint for Andrew Marr on Gogglebox. “‘Who’s this Holly Willoughby type?!’” one viewer exclaimed. Fortunately they were won round, Barnett told the Women With Balls podcast. “By the end she went, ‘God, you wouldn’t mess with her.’” And what did Marr think? “I haven’t spoken to Andrew,” Barnett admits.

Yard detective led on a merry dance

Johnny Mercer MP won Celebrity Hunted last night with Strictly Come Dancing regular AJ Pritchard (whom he called “the best-looking man I’ve ever seen”).

It prompted the Scotland Yard detective tasked with finding them to spit: “We were beaten by a Tory MP and a ballroom dancer.”

Mercer tells us today: “I could hide all year from that lot and they’d never catch me.” Is that it for his TV career? Perhaps not. “I’m looking forward to being the first same-sex couple with AJ on the Christmas special of Strictly,” he says. Take it away boys

Stars put the winter celebrations on ice

Winter is coming: stars brought out the faux fur for Somerset House and Fortnum & Mason’s launch of Skate last night, with actor Daisy Lewis and models Lily Cole, Jasmine Guinness and Sam Rollinson among those embracing the trend. Rollinson’s coat was so realistic it seemed to be moving. On closer inspection, it was discovered that it was, in fact, a dog. Also there was Australian author Kathy Lette who, The Londoner hears, may be using her separation from Geoffrey Robertson QC as inspiration for her next novel. The book is entitled HRT, in this case an acronym for Husband Replacement Treatment. The pair announced their split last year after almost 30 years together. Asked if the novel was inspired by true life, Lette, who has just turned 60, offered a knowing smile. “Say no more,” she said.

SW1A

Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, likes a glass of Bordeaux. But special times call for special measures as Theresa May attempts to get her divorce deal past the Cabinet. How will the prominent Brexiteer get through the next 24 hours? His wife, the columnist Sarah Vine, says: “One word: gin.”

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Crossbench hereditary peers are electing a new colleague and the personal manifestos are a treat. One candidate says: “I split my time between a garden in east Kent and London.” Another: “Currently involved in microbrewery, charity and heritage work. Fluent French & Russian. Keen kitesurfer.” July’s by-election for a Conservative hereditary peer had Harold Macmillan’s grandson listing his experience as “landowner” and “book and a magazine publisher (Macmillan Ltd)”, while another read: “Born 1947. Married.” The aristocrat’s interests? “Affordable living.”

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From India with Love: Bollywood star Amy Jackson was joined by fellow actor Olivia Grant yesterday for a dinner at Gymkhana, in aid of Elephant Family. British-born Jackson, the charity’s new ambassador, stars in 2.0, a new Bollywood action film out this month. It’s the most expensive Indian film ever.

Quote of the Day

‘Be straight with us rather than pretend everything’s going to be OK’ -- Yvette Cooper blasts the Home Office for its No Deal Brexit preparations