The documents, instructing senior officials at the Department of Communities and Local Government how to woo their new bosses, give a checklist of what are called "hot button", Tory-friendly words, to be dropped into conversation whenever possible. These include "families," "radical," "neighbourhoods" and "progressive."

The briefing - to be kept strictly from ministers - shows that DCLG officials are worried about their new bosses. "Do they like us? Want to work with us?" it asks, adding: "There may be challenge over our part in what they see as failed policies/ delivery

To overcome this, civil servants are told to "talk of efficiencies / value for money without prompting" and advised to deploy blatant flattery, with suggested phrases including: "Congratulations! I had so much confidence in you, I might get complacent!"

The documents order mandarins to "smile!... Lean forward!... Be interesting!" They are told to engage in "supportive listening," and "take cues from the Secretary of State." Officials are advised that "eye contact [is] the real currency."