In Japan there is an old saying that great words come from little books and one tiny tome has proved to be particularly popular in Westminster.

"The little book of new Labour bollocks", which claims to be the "ultimate antidote to spin" was the top Christmas seller at Politico's bookshop in Westminster and a cabinet minister was among the buyers.

The book takes a humorous swipe at the government by quoting the words of Tony Blair and senior ministers together with a simultaneous translation of "what he meant".

In the spirit of self-help the pager-sized book also includes a glossary of new Labour words and phrases for people who want to "get ahead in new Labour Britain". The following advice is given to beginners on the third way: "...bollocks of course but if people have a go at you, just smile in a superior way and quote Anthony Giddens at them. Or just make up a Giddens quote. Most people don't actually read him" .

The author, Alistair Beaton, is not afraid to name and shame, listing "new Labour toadies", alongside cringeworthy Commons questions and comments.

One of the "toadies", Martin Salter, told epxNews "I am both flattered and surprised to be included in this impressive tome. However, I think it should be retitled "total bollocks" as I have no recollection of the quote attributed to me and can scarcely be described as the newest of new Labour."

Ian Dale of Politico's paid testimony to the book's popularity and reassured those who might be concerned about the feelings of its new Labour victims. "It's proved so popular that the publisher has sold out its entire print run. I think the worst offender is John Prescott because no-one can understand what he's saying. I'm sure William Hague would like something similar for the Tories. Politicians enjoy being the subject of fun because it means they've arrived," he told epxnews.

A spokesman for the Plain English Campaign offered this piece of advice. "Politicians should practice what they are going to tell their audience first. They should try testing it on ordinary people first. A general election always offers possibilities for nonsense and this year I'm sure we won't be disappointed."

The campaigner singled out one Labour politician's pulverised prose: "We have found a marked improvement in the plain speaking of the derogated governments, though Rhodri Morgan is a winner of our 'Foot in the Mouth' award. On the BBC's Newsnight he answered Paxman's question about whether he wanted to be leader of the Welsh assembly by saying 'Does a one-legged duck swim in circles?'."

Downing Street's response is terse and to the point: "We won't be commenting on that. And that's in plain English." Those seeking further translation should read the book.