Charlie Whelan might soon regret his decision to sue the Speccie over Fraser Nelson’s claim that he is an abusive, smearing bully.

In tomorrow’s edition, Fraser details how, while collecting evidence for the magazine’s defence, he was able to get hold of documents previously kept hidden under a gagging clause. The legal papers detailed how Unite has had to buy off and gag former employees in order to settle bullying cases against Gordon’s deeply unpleasant union henchman.

Charlie’s responded on Twitter, saying the Speccie “can’t even copy out newspaper cuts accurately“. However the evidence isn’t from the newspaper, Charlie. It’s from legal statements unearthed by your own libel case.

Fraser’s write-up also builds up a picture of the vicious, shadowy power-base that has kept Gordon and his heir presumptive, Balls, hanging onto power so long. Don’t forget Whelan was also copied in on all those Smeargate emails sent a year ago. With Balls saying only this morning that he’s still in touch with his old mate McPoison “from time to time” (contradicting what he said repeatedly straight after the scandal about “Mr McBride”), it’s clear the bullying, smearing Brownite grip on Labour is as strong as ever. Guido can’t wait for the inevitable post-election bust-up.