It was, as this column revealed back in December, a suggestion that sat particularly well with Credlin’s previous employer, former prime minister Tony Abbott.

But under a different scenario that was being discussed even before 007 Broad’s Hong Kong-based implosion, Credlin was rumoured to be eyeing another safe Coalition electorate in Menzies, where Kevin Andrews has been the long-serving Liberal MP for 27 years.

In August, the Liberal Party endorsed all sitting members to go around again at the next federal election — due in May — saving Andrews from a serious challenge by barrister Keith Wolahan.

However, if Andrews was to resign so close to the election, the Libs would have no choice but to parachute someone into Menzies, perhaps even Credlin.

If legacy is his main concern, Credlin’s conservative credentials could be enough to win him over.

We hear that conversation even made it as far north as Sydney’s Mr Wong set late last year.

And, as one Prime Minister's Office staffer told this column, Credlin’s entry would be seen by many as a serious boost to the campaign and ease turmoil over the lack of women in the party.

Still, some Liberal MPs have expressed scepticism Credlin wants to head to Parliament, with one reminding us they might be kings (or queens) in Canberra, but campaigning in an electorate is all it takes to be reminded they are never more than servants to voters.

In other holiday news, we were pleased to see Telstra chief executive Andy Penn relaxing on holiday with a $2200 bottle of Taittinger, a brave photo to put online after sacking 8000 people.

Further north, High Commissioner to Britain and former attorney general George Brandis (QC) swapped Australia House for a holiday house in Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, sinking a few cans of XXXX Gold with former staff.

From the photos we’ve seen, our man in London needs to apply far more sunscreen.

Labor leader Bill Shorten made a cameo via video conference for the New Year’s Eve wedding between former adviser turned Newgate spinner Steve Michelson and his partner Hayden Davies at St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.

On the guest list: Mark Dreyfus (QC, MP), NSW Labor deputy leader Penny Sharpe and Lindsay MP Emma Husar, taking a well-earned break from distributing legal threats.

Meanwhile, with Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm shifting to the NSW upper house come the March state election, his long-timer adviser and former Herald journalist Kelly Burke is moving to Seven West Media.

And finally, putting to end The Australian’s lengthy pursuit of a new media writer following multiple departures last year, we hear editor-in-chief Chris Dore has managed to convince Mumbrella reporter Zoe Samios to take the chalice.

If today marks the official start to the working year, the business and politics crowd certainly made sure to pack in as much as possible over the weekend.

Rob Rankin, James Packer's lieutenant until a spectacular bust-up following Crown's China troubles, led the field at the Palm Beach Polo.

Then came LJ Hooker chairman Janusz Hooker and Mortgage Choice co-founder Peter Higgins, whose last polo field outing took him all the way to the Parramatta Local Court after being allegedly head-butted by his neighbouring millionaire John Marshall (found innocent).

Over at the Pommery marquee, one sharp-eyed observer spotted Aitken Investment Management director Ellie Aitken — no word on the BYO Oscietra caviar.

Across town, quite a crowd flocked to the SCG to witness the miracle of Australia’s 34-run win over India in the one-day international series opener.

Former Australian Rugby League chairman Colin Love led an NRL-heavy Trust Suite line-up, which also included NSW Rugby League Foundation chairman (and Racing Australia chief executive) Barry O’Farrell and recent Today departee Tim Gilbert.

Better Regulations Minister Matt Kean turned up just in time to see Marcus Stoinis belt two balls in quick succession into the spectators, while Multicultural Affairs Minister Ray Williams’ chief-of-staff Rommel Varghese was spotted downstairs spectating from Bay 27.

(Perhaps the SCG could be added to Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s list for stadium refurbs, one of the above quipped, with a swathe of seats out of action as the roof threatened to crash down.)

Down in Bleak City, the Portsea Polo was a double-header with the Lorne Pier to Pub swim.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Abbott opted for the latter, while former foreign minister Julie Bishop took lunch at the Pommery Point Nepean Polo Club.

Also about in Portsea: Health Minister Greg Hunt, Collingwood Football Club president Eddie McGuire and former Australia Post chief Ahmed Fahour.

CBD couldn’t help noticing there wasn’t a Labor type in sight.

One Liberal divot-stomper had the scoop: “Polo doesn’t fit with the brand during an election year.”