In a comment that strikes Guido as more than just bad-tempered, Jack Straw has attacked MPs researchers for asking too many questions and the excellent website TheyWorkForYou.com for keeping track of MPs.

The Leader of the House claimed with cross party assent that “this has been recognised on all sides of the House”. He attacked the websites that keep tab on politicians and make democracy more interactive – that tells voters a lot about the real priorities of the political class. And it ain’t working for you.

TheyWorkForYou, PublicWhip and WriteToThem.com shine a spotlight on what our parliamentary shysters get up to. You can see what they say, how they voted and who is giving them bungs. In addition what freebies they take, what vested interests they are close to and where they have been are all in the register of interests online. The websites also enable you to communicate with your representative easily. They are tools for democracy.

Guido thinks we need to play closer attention to Jack Straw and what he is trying to keep out of the picture.