William Hague

Biography

Lord Hague of Richmond has been a prominent leader in British politics for more than 30 years, serving as Leader of the Conservative Party and as Foreign Secretary. He was Member of Parliament for Richmond for 26 years and after announcing his intention to step down, he concluded his frontline political career as First Secretary of State and Leader of the House of Commons. In his life after Government, he has joined the House of Lords and become a widely respected and popular commentator on foreign and domestic politics, as well as a valued advisor to a wide range of institutions and businesses. He is also a columnist for The Times, and Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

In four years as Foreign Secretary, William dealt with a turbulent period encompassing wars in Libya and Syria, withdrawal from Afghanistan, a mounting crisis in Ukraine, the global struggle against terrorism, and relations with Europe. He expanded Britain's diplomatic network and placed a renewed emphasis on trade and exports. He was also responsible for two of Britain's intelligence agencies, and visited more countries than any previous Foreign Secretary.

William also led the negotiating team that created the coalition government in 2010. His mix of international and domestic experience has given him a deep, insider's knowledge of politics and government, and the origins of the instability, unpredictability and mistrust affecting a great deal of world affairs. He speaks with authority on the impact of technological change, population movement, economic trends, and the rise of religious intolerance on our economy, culture and all our lives.

Having known many global leaders, William speaks insightfully about different styles of leadership, and their effectiveness – drawing on numerous debates with Tony Blair, and first hand knowledge of the world's Presidents from George W Bush to Vladimir Putin. He considers how leaders shape and reflect their times, and the values, goals and challenges that underpin a leader’s approach.

William is also well known as a great storyteller and raconteur, hailed by Hillary Clinton as “the David Beckham of toasting.” With dry Yorkshire wit and natural comic timing he describes the pitfalls of politics and the risks when media, drink, politicians and debating come together. Additionally, he is an accomplished historian, author of two bestsellers, and winner of the History Book of the Year Award.

William was born and brought up in Yorkshire. After attending a local comprehensive (and causing a media sensation as a schoolboy speaker at the Conservative Party Conference), he studied at Oxford (where he is now Chancellor) and INSEAD, and worked in management consultancy before entering politics. He now lives in Wales and London with his wife Ffion. He is Chair of United for Wildlife, a global coalition to fight the illegal wildlife trade, and was Chair of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.