The Tories try to bring Hague's vague role into focus
James Forsyth 10:34am
Over Christmas, William Hague’s standing in the party and David Cameron’s authority took a beating from reports that the shadow foreign secretary was prepared to resign rather than give up his outside interests. Today’s joint Cameron-Hague interview in The Sun can be seen as an attempt to move on from that. In an attempt to minimise the part-time issue, Hague tells George Pascoe-Watson, “I have been drastically cutting my outside interests. That will continue. There won’t be a lot left by the time we are approaching the election.” For his part, Cameron tries to show that Hague is not a semi-detached member of the team by stressing that Hague is his effective deputy and saying, “People haven’t seen enough of William and the huge role he has. You are going to see him in the front line on national issues. I want people to see the strength of my team.”
All Tory news is being seen through the prism of the coming reshuffle at the moment. In that vein, it is tempting to view the bolstering of Hague’s role as an attempt to reassure the Euro-sceptic right before the return of Ken Clarke.
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Angela Cox
January 14th, 2009 10:58am Report this commentI've been disappointed by Hague's performances in his last few interviews. He sounded insincere, as though he didn't really believe what he was saying and was just going through the motions.
geoff
January 14th, 2009 11:27am Report this commentPart-time deputy leader? Not what the country needs to hear at the moment i fear
SimonSD
January 14th, 2009 11:28am Report this commentSurely Hague is just behind Andrew Lansley in terms of most vapid member of the tory front bench?
In fact, I wonder if Cameron commenting on how secure you are as a member of his frontbench team is going to become seen like the much feared "vote of confidence" given to any football manager about to be ditched.
Sally Williams
January 14th, 2009 12:05pm Report this commentWilliam Hague is one of the best political performers I have ever known. His Yorkshire shrewdness, the training he had both in Wales and as Party Leader, will bring a great deal extra in his new, additional role. David Cameron has done a very wise thing in giving Hague more powers.
Angela Cox
January 14th, 2009 1:01pm Report this commentWhen Hague is on top form he's very good indeed. It seems that at the moment he's either sulking or he's lost interest in politics. The Shadow Cabinet have to pull together and keep their eyes on the prize whatever they may of one an other personally. Its no good falling out now when the finishing post is in sight.
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