Ross Lydall: Murphy's blog is first with his news

It attracted a few snide comments at its launch in October, but Jim Murphy's blog has built a regular following, it seems.

According to figures supplied in a Parliamentary written answer to the SNP's arch inqusitor Angus MacNeil, the Scottish Secretary's blog attracted 5,077 hits in its first month, 4,910 in its second, 4,450 in its third and experienced a New Year revival with 5,142 hits in January.

Recent entries range from Mr Murphy being delayed in Scotland as a result of snow at Heathrow - and then going sledging with his family - to his visit to the Gorbals with Gordon Brown, during which time the Prime Minister received his long-awaited first call from President Obama.

He has also used it to break news about initiatives to develop a cross-border approach to tackling football hooliganism and to give his thoughts on the "British jobs for British workers" row that saw wildcat strikes across Scotland. Well done, Jim - if only your press office were as keen to publicise your activities, you'd be securing double the press coverage. The blog can be found at: www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk