Matt Chorley has taken over the editorship of The Times’ political website Red Box following the retirement of veteran journalist Philip Webster. Here, Chorley discusses how his cheeky style will influence Red Box and what’s involved in a typical day chasing political scoops.

How do you think the Red Box will change under your editorship?

I hope I have already brought my own voice to it, with more jokes and gossip, but long term I want it to become the place to go for polling, analysis and data – with a sense of humour.

What is your best ever political scoop?

I knew revealing the Coalition was pausing its controversial health and social care bill was a big deal when No.10 denied it for two days before doing what I had said they would. David Cameron admitting he watched Isis beheading videos was an insight into the demands of being PM. But revealing details of John Bercow’s globetrotting at taxpayers’ expense forced the Commons Speaker to regularly publish his travel costs – though it hasn’t stopped him running up big bills.

How do you see the UK political landscape developing in 2016?

Any sensible journalist would avoid making detailed predictions, but Europe will dominate and how the Tories recover from the result will play a major part in the 2020 general election. Labour will continue to struggle but Corbyn is going nowhere, leaving most of the effective opposition to the government coming from within the Tory party and outside politics altogether. Smaller parties like Ukip and the Lib Dems will struggle to have any impact at all.

What does a typical day in the life of Matt Chorley look like?

Alarm goes off at 5.30am, quick cup of tea then into my office at home to check emails and Twitter. Then I go through the digital versions of the papers – starting with The Times – to compile the Red Box morning briefing. I finish writing it by 7.30am before it is sent just after 8am. Then it is a quick shower and breakfast before heading to London Bridge, file a news story and analysis for the website and line up comment pieces for Red Box, then pop over to Parliament to pick up some gossip for the next day’s email.

What are your five desk essentials?

I can work anywhere without too much fuss, but generally I’ll have a notepad, iPhone, iPhone charger, empty coffee cup and a political book that I’ve been meaning to read.