[2] It was first published in June 2008, and was distributed freely to all MPs, MEPs, peers, political journalists, members of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland assemblies, and all senior councillors down to district level as well as being available by subscription and sold on newsstands.
[2][3] The magazine was created by the journalist Iain Dale and the political commentator and author Shane Greer.
[4] The two men launched Total Politics with some financial backing from the then Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Lord Ashcroft, who in return owned a 25% stake in the parent company Biteback Media.
[5] The magazine claimed to have a fundamental goal of being "unremittingly positive about the political process".
[11] As well as being recognised in the Guide, winners were also provided with digital awards badges to put on their blogs.