By Jason Groves for the Daily Mail
Published: 22:01 GMT, 10 November 2020 | Updated: 22:01 GMT, 10 November 2020
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A former Vote Leave press officer is in talks with Boris Johnson about becoming his chief of staff.
Lee Cain, Downing Street's director of communications, is said to be in 'advanced discussions' about the new post.
Insurance Loans Mortgage Attorney Credit LawyerThe promotion would cap a stellar rise for the former journalist who used to dress up as the Daily Mirror's election chicken, pursuing David Cameron and other leading Tories during the 2010 campaign.
The chief of staff will operate as the Prime Minister's 'fixer' at the heart of Government, with the power to issue orders to civil servants across Whitehall.
And the move would fill a 'hole' at the centre of Mr Johnson's administration. Neither Dominic Cummings nor the Prime Minister's other leading adviser Lord Lister want the job.
Lee Cain (pictured with Boris Johnson), Downing Street's director of communications, is said to be in 'advanced discussions' about the new post
Tory MPs have urged Mr Johnson to appoint a heavyweight chief of staff to provide more 'grip' to a Government which has made a series of U-turns.
The Prime Minister is reported to have approached former Tory chairman Lord Feldman about the job, only to be turned down.
Some MPs believe the creation of the role could help rein in controversial chief adviser Mr Cummings. But Mr Cain served as a loyal lieutenant to Mr Cummings at Vote Leave and remains one of his closest allies.
A Whitehall source said: 'The PM desperately needs a chief of staff. Dom (Cummings) does not operate in that way and knows it. He has always said he does not want the title but won't serve under anyone who has it. But he would be able to
