The mini-furore over Andy Burnham’s amusing innuendo-rich suggestion of some kind of seduction of Basher Davis after “late-night, hand-wringing, heart-melting phone calls with” Shami Chakrabarti is not something of which Guido would approve. Guido is responsible for Westminster innuendo and Burnham should stay off his turf.

I am writing in relation to your recent article in the ironically titled “Progress” magazine. In that article you set out to smear my dealings with the former Shadow Home Secretary. I must say that I find this behaviour curious, coming as it does from a Cabinet Minister; let alone someone with a partner and family of his own.

By your comments you debase not only a great office of State but the vital debate about fundamental rights and freedoms in this country. Indeed you seem reluctant to engage in that debate except in this tawdry fashion.

I look forward to your written apology as I’m sure does Mrs Davis. If on the other hand you choose to continue down the path of innuendo and attempted character assassination, you will find that the privileged legal protection of the parliament chamber does not extend to slurs made in the wider public domain. The fruits of any legal action will of course go to Liberty(the National Council for Civil Liberties).

Shami is getting a bit up herself here, Guido is something of an expert in this area and can see that she does not have a leg to stand on. Any reasonable person can see Burnham was clearly teasing, not really suggesting they were having an actual affair. Shami should hit back with an attack on Andy’s mascara looks. Any way, good to see that the Guidoisation of politics has reached cabinet level…

UPDATE : Burnham’s office has released a statement “An interpretation has been placed on Andy’s remarks that he did not intend. His comments related to politics and nothing else. He regrets if any personal offence has been caused.”