Brown brings in the spin-doctors

Gordon Brown has brought in two more spin-doctors to his inner circle, in an attempt to cement his improvement in the polls.

John Woodcock, former special advisor to John Hutton at the business department, and Michael Dugher, current special advisor to Geoff Hoon at the transport department, will focus on regional media outlets.

The two men replace Damian McBride, who was effectively demoted during the reshuffle earlier this month.

Justin Forsyth, the policy official who took over from Mr McBride, is returning to a backroom role.