The Daily Mail reports that US Vice-President JD Vance is positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run, according to sources close to him. His new religion-focused autobiography, Communion: Finding My Way Back To Faith, is described by insiders as effectively a personal manifesto, following the long-standing pattern of politicians publishing a memoir shortly before launching a campaign. The story matters because it suggests the race to succeed Donald Trump within the Republican Party may already be quietly taking shape.

Sources say Vance could announce his intentions as early as after November's midterm elections, and claim that Secretary of State Marco Rubio — widely seen as his main rival — will not stand against his friend. A new poll for the Daily Mail by JL Partners puts Vance well ahead among Republican primary voters at 51 per cent, up four points, while Rubio has slipped three points to 15 per cent. Florida governor Ron DeSantis stands at nine per cent and Senator Ted Cruz at six per cent.