On the day we  learn Jacqui Smith, who was so good with her sums in the past, is off to accounting firm KPMG, Guido thought he would check out how Geoff Hoon’s project that “bluntly, makes money” was coming along…

It seems the former Defence Secretary is so desperate for clients, for a little “Hoon-work”, that he’s openly publishing his mobile number. From a gate-keepered senior cabinet minister, who most would have to go through six people to talk to on a good day, to being open to all sorts of random calls. Oh how the mighty fall…

Obviously Guido couldn’t resist…

GF: Are you going to join the APPC?
GH: Err…I must be a bit slow this morning.
GF: The Association of Professional Political Consultants…
GH: <silence>
GF:  …The register of lobbyists to declare their clients etc?
GH: To be honest I haven’t actually heard of it. I’m not really a lobbyist… When people have asked me to lobby the government I’ve told them to go elsewhere.
GF: Will you be publishing your clients list on your website?
GH: No, can’t really see a case in which that would happen. Maybe one day.
GF: Do you have a Former Member’s Pass to the Parliamentary Estate?
GH: Err yes, yes I do.
GF: Have you used it yet?
GH: To be honest, not yet.

Sure it will come in useful one day, oh and not a lobbyist? TaylorHoon state:

“Our aim is to provide business with market intelligence on ways to gain competitive advantage. To do this we are able to offer a distinctive combination of advice, skills and experience from the highest levels of business and politics.”

Sounds like lobbying to Guido…