Gatesgategate: Billionaire Embroiled in Planning Scandal

The old gate at the centre of the Gatesgategate scandal

The world's richest man and the UK's Countryside Minister were both denying claims last night that there had been a 'fast track' process to grant permission for a new high security gate to be installed at the billionaire's English country retreat.

Bill Gates wanted to replace the traditional wooden farm gate with a 10ft high wiremesh electrified gate, but faced objections from local residents. However a word in the minister's ear seemed to make the planning application progress very smoothly.

In an incident that is being dubbed Gatesgategate in the traditional manner, the addition of the required -gate suffix immediately brought a media scrum to the small entrance to Mr Gates' UK country retreat, and this will lead to a spiral of rumours and speculation being reported and repeated as fact. Reporters have been referring to their 'gate' editorial guidelines and ditching normal journalistic standards as required.

Until the addition of the 'gate' suffix the story would be regarded as little more than dull, but now you can expect it to run for weeks.