As new readers flood into the blog it might be helpful to set the tone for newbies. This is the wrong place to argue in the comments about policies – too boring. Go to ConservativeHome or LabourHome to do that.

Like it says in the right-hand column, tittle-tattle, gossip, rumours and wit are what this blog aims to provide. Comments – the policy is harsh and unfair. You can contact Guido in many ways – see here. This blog gets its best information from the readership. The monthly archives are available in the right-hand column (bug fixed), as is the Google Guido search facility.

Latest endorsements “Blogs is it? – I don’t know” – John Prescott, “We’re so cool we even have Guido Fawkes bookmarked on our lap-tops” – Andrew Neil.