Lord William Hague

Former Leader Of The Conservatives, Leader Of The House Of Commons, MP for Richmond, President of the Oxford Union & Author of ‘William Pitt the Younger’ 

William Hague’s Biography:

William Hague, Lord Hague of Richmond, is a senior British statesman, author and former Leader of the Conservative Party who has played a prominent role in UK politics for more than three decades. First elected as Member of Parliament for Richmond in Yorkshire in 1989, he quickly established himself as one of the leading figures of his generation. In 1997, he became Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition, making history as the youngest leader of a major political party in over 200 years at just 36 years old.

William studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford, where he was President of both the Oxford University Conservative Association and the Oxford Union. Before entering Parliament, he worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. His early political career included serving as Minister of State for Social Security and Secretary of State for Wales before rising to the leadership of the Conservative Party following the 1997 general election.

After stepping down as party leader, William continued to hold senior roles in government. In 2010, he was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under Prime Minister David Cameron, where he led British foreign policy during a period of major global political change. He also served as First Secretary of State and Leader of the House of Commons, playing a key role in shaping government policy and parliamentary leadership.

Beyond politics, William is also an accomplished historian and author. His biography ‘William Pitt the Younger’. won History Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. In recognition of his public service, he was awarded a life peerage in 2015, becoming Lord Hague of Richmond. He continues to contribute to public life through writing, diplomacy and leadership initiatives.

Why Hire William Hague?

William is hired as a speaker for his exceptional experience at the highest levels of government and international diplomacy. Having served as Leader of the Conservative Party, Leader of the Opposition and Foreign Secretary, he offers audiences a rare insider perspective on global politics, leadership and international relations.

His speeches combine political insight with compelling storytelling drawn from decades in public life. William was also awarded The Spectator’s Speech of the Year in 2007, recognising his exceptional ability to communicate complex political ideas with clarity and impact. His talks explore leadership, global affairs, diplomacy and the lessons learned from navigating the realities of modern political leadership.

William Hague’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define William Hague’s distinguished career:

• 2025 – Formally inaugurated as the 160th Chancellor of the University of Oxford following his election in November 2024.
• 2015 – Awarded a life peerage becoming Lord Hague of Richmond after more than twenty five years in the House of Commons.
• 2010 – Appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs leading UK foreign policy.
• 2010 – Appointed Leader of the House of Commons and First Secretary of State under Prime Minister David Cameron.
• 2007 – Awarded The Spectator’s Speech of the Year recognising his influence as a political communicator.
• 2005 – Won History Book of the Year at the British Book Awards for his biography William Pitt the Younger.
• 1997 – Elected Leader of the Conservative Party becoming the youngest leader of a major party in 200 years.
• 1997 – Became Leader of the Opposition following the Conservative Party’s defeat in the general election.
• 1989 – Elected Member of Parliament for Richmond in Yorkshire beginning his parliamentary career.