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Hague is new Tory No 2, putting Osborne in shade
Joe Murphy, Political Editor14.01.09
DAVID CAMERON today promoted William Hague to be "my deputy in all but name".
The Tory leader gave the shadow foreign secretary a more powerful brief, tasking him to be a chief frontman to speak on both national and international affairs.
The decision to bring Mr Hague into the front line was announced in a joint interview, where the pair sat down with The Sun newspaper.
"William is effectively my deputy in all but name and people need to know that," declared Mr Cameron. "I have been in this job for three years. William did it for four.
"He has seen the pitfalls and is a very wise counsel. It's a good relationship. It has worked extremely strongly."
The decision will delight Tory activists who regard former leader Mr Hague as a hero in the battle against the European single currency and relish his acid attacks on Labour.
There were suspicions, however, that the Right were being thrown a consolation in preparation for the return to the shadow cabinet of pro-European former chancellor Kenneth Clarke, tipped as a possible shadow business secretary. Mr Cameron refused to rule out the recall of Mr Clarke in his interview. Aides today insisted no decision had been taken on the reshuffle.
Mr Hague's new role will see him play a more public role on TV and radio, as well as leading on this year's European election approach. "There's a real opportunity as we go into an election year of William actually carrying a lot of the message to the country, as well as doing the foreign affairs stuff."
Labour hailed the move as a "humiliation" for George Osborne, claiming that it showed the shadow chancellor being superseded in the power structure of the Tory high command.
Labour MP Karen Buck said: "This is a clear example of George Osborne being made to walk the plank for his do-nothing economic incoherence." But Mr Cameron's allies said there was no reduction in Mr Osborne's role or importance.
The Tory leader said: "George has been a good friend of mine for 12 years, through thick and thin. I won't tread on George's toes. There's enough space out there for several people to be busily engaged."
The Conservative leader's inner circle
George Osborne - The shadow chancellor is still Mr Cameron's closest Tory partner, say colleagues, despite him taking some knocks in the autumn. The friends plotted the Notting Hill-isation of the party together. Since the row over his trip to Oleg Deripaska's yacht, Mr Osborne has been dogged by speculation that he could be replaced. Senior Cameroons scoff at the idea.
Oliver Letwin - Underestimated by outsiders, Letwin's key role in charge of the Conservative policy review has made him an essential part of the inner circle. The former Rothschild banker is consulted all the time on policy detail and has a huge say. Charmingly eccentric, he is kept in the background.
William Hague - Mr Hague has long been a valued adviser, sharing his experience of avoiding bear-traps as a former Tory leader. The decision to give him a more public campaigning role will advertise the steely Right-winger as a key influence on future thinking.
Steve Hilton - The jeans-clad Tory director of strategy spends most of his time in America where partner Rachel Whetstone is a VP of Google. Using a laptop and phone to keep in touch, he manages to provide advice on soundbites and strategy as well as being a best mate of "Dave".
Andy Coulson - The former editor of the News of the World was recruited to beef up the party's media presentation as director of communications and has increased his influence. He attends all key long-term strategy meetings and oversees the daily battle for headlines.
Ed Llewellyn - Mr Cameron's chief of staff is the most important of a string of capable and influential backroom figures, including his deputy, Catherine Fall. A former schoolfriend, his CV echoes his leader's own life.
Reader views (27)
hauge is the best ,easy to understand when he speaks allways makes common sence to he average layman,very bright highly respected everywhere would be a big hit in the usa should the tories get back in power,if th brits ever wake up,and vote wiyh intelergence next time theres an election it will happen,the country has to be saved,maybbe hes the man,BROWN was never the man ,BLIAR knew this when he quit an act of terrorisum I think to do that to the great british people.YES HAUGE IS THE MAN,cameron also can play apart,lets hope it happens we my be british again and become proud once more
- Phil, usa
William Hague is a very important historical figure: the first Conservative leader NOT to become Prime Minister. And followed, so far, by all his sucessors.
- Alan Griffiths, Forest Gate, LONDON. UK
Dangerous move by Dave in promoting the one Conservative with real talent. Next thing it will be Hague taking over from Camoron replacing a PR man with a real politician.
Osborne being sidelined was inevitable after his total silence and consequent humiliation in dealing with the Credit Crunch
- Andrew W1, London
Hague was always going to be the No2 if he couldn't be the No1. He stands in for Cameron at PMQs, throwing his witticisms with abandon, and getting trumped by Harman.
- Dhanraj, Basildon Essex
William Hague will be excellent and so long as David Cameron leaves Ken Clarke out of his team all will be well.
- Steve.W, B'ham UK
The lack of talent in the Tory ranks is more obvious, Hague is the only one with any experience or profile and he was one of the Tories greatest failures.
- Clive Grinyer, London
Not surprising, the Conservatives have a large pool of talent.
Gordon Brown however, has to bring in unelected outsiders to sit in the House of Lords to carry out cabinet tasks that are beyond the talents of elected Labour members. It does of course mean that Labour ministers can’t be ejected at elections, as they are not part of the democratic process. This also means they are not responsible to the electorate.
- Ian, Reading, England
"Excellent news. Hague is a real talent who makes mincemeat of NuLab lightweights"
Yep, I remember him resigning because he found it too easy to trounce New Labour. Oh, wait a minute...
- Fresh, London
The lack of talent in Labour is obvious on the front bench let alone further back. I am not a Tory, but Hague is smart and has not always been a politician. That is always a plus.
- Alex C, London
Don't forget something for Mikael Howard, and Ian. You'll be needing all the good advice, experience and leadership expertise you can get.
How about Ken Clarke as a deputy to beef up George's performance? He's good at numbers and will also be feeling a bit out of things otherswise.
- Barnie, essex, UK
With a voice like William Hague's everyone will switch off as soon as he appears on our screens. Last to leave switch off the light please
- R.F.Yorks, Yorks, UK
How weak is 'Cameron'?
Last week 'Hague' threatened 'Cameron' that he would resign after he was told by the Tory leader that he might be banning 'outside' financial interests. And now 'Dave' promotes him. This just goes to show how weak and pathetic 'Cameron' is.
- James, London
"If Hague is such a real talent then how come his party sacked him as leader?"
They didn't. He resigned.
- Michael, London
So Labour are claiming this excellent move by David Cameron moves George Osborne down the pecking order. Does that mean The Chancellor is always No2 to the Prime Minister. If so, does that mean Labour supporters recognise Alistair Darling as effectively Deputy PM to Gordon Brown. Doubt it, but if they do then we're in much more trouble that I thought we were!!
- Malcolm, London
Next thing you know, John Major will be the next Tory leader
- Ad, London
Excellent news - Hague is an extremely smart and capable guy, who as Cameron has pointed out has alot of experience. At last we are looking like a party to well and truly defeat labour and finally get them out.
- Nicky, london
Well this is good news. If Hague gives up all of his other jobs that should give other unemployed people a chance and reduce unemployment.
- R Dent, Ealing England
Excellent choice. I and many others would like to see Mr Hague back at the helm some day.
- Phil Jones, London UK
I think the time is right for him to move in he has almost shed the loser tag.
- Kev, London
Looking at Dave's ever worsening comb-over at PMQ's it looks as though we'll get two bald blokes leading the Tories at the next election, unless Dave goes for the Fabricant look.
- H Alton, Acton England
Which failure will they recycle next, Lord Lamont or Michael Portillo? They really must be incredibly short of new talent on the back benches.
- E Heath, Epping England
If Hague is such a real talent then how come his party sacked him as leader?
- John, London
..now bring in Ken Clark and the tories will have an unbeatable team.....
It appears that common sense prevails at long last.
- Weddigen, London SW
Well done William Nine Jobs Hague. Is their any chance that when he deputises for Cameron at PMQ's we can have the sound effect of a till played at the end of each question?
- Anthony Banker, Holborn England
Hague may do well against Nu Labour "lightweights " but if my memory serves me correctly he didn't do too well against Labour heavyweights did he ? Is this perhaps a sign that Dave is not too confident in his own ability and that of his Notting Hill mateys , not mentioning his buddy who dishes out advice from the USA .
- Dave O'Mara, Bromley
At least there is one piece of good political news for a change.
- Harvey Lawrence, London UK
Excellent news. Hague is a real talent who makes mincemeat of NuLab lightweights.
- Keith Price, Luton
