There seems to be some changes ahead at Virgin Trains East Coast regarding its franchise operation. I can't seem to gauge whether this will entail a new bidding process or whether the government will solely work with VTEC in coming up with the new contract/partnership.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/strategic-vision-for-rail
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/strategic-vision-for-rail
East Coast Partnership
"The first of the new generation of long-term regional partnerships on the East Coast Mainline, which will be introduced from 2020 - the East Coast Partnership between the public sector and a private partner will be operated by a single management, under a single brand and overseen by a single leader
The East Coast Partnership will be responsible for both intercity trains and track operations. It will be set up over the next 2 years as a partnership between the public and private sectors, with responsibility for the lines between London, Yorkshire, North East and Scotland.
The private partner will have a leading role in defining future plans for route infrastructure.
The government and the Office of Rail and Road will continue to ensure that robust protections for freight and other passenger operators are maintained.
Further details about the new East Coast Partnership will be set out in the coming months. The government is currently in discussions with the existing operator of the East Coast franchise, Stagecoach-Virgin, to ensure the needs of passengers and taxpayers are being in met in the short term whilst laying the foundations to bring forward the reforms in full under a long-term competitively procured contract".