William Hague - Speaker

Lord William Hague has been a significant figure in British politics for over 30 years, serving as Leader of the Conservative Party and Foreign Secretary. He represented Richmond in Parliament for 26 years and concluded his political career as First Secretary of State and Leader of the House of Commons. After leaving government, he joined the House of Lords and became a respected commentator on political issues, as well as an advisor to various institutions and businesses. He also writes a column for The Times.

During his four years as Foreign Secretary, William navigated a challenging period marked by conflicts in Libya and Syria, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the crisis in Ukraine, and global terrorism. He expanded Britain's diplomatic network and focused on trade and exports, overseeing two intelligence agencies and visiting more countries than any previous Foreign Secretary.

William played a key role in forming the coalition government in 2010. His extensive experience in both international and domestic politics has provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities affecting global affairs. He discusses the impact of technological change, population movement, economic trends, and rising religious intolerance on society.

Having interacted with numerous global leaders, William offers insights into different leadership styles, drawing from debates with Tony Blair and experiences with leaders like George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin. He examines how leaders reflect their times and the values that shape their approaches.

Known for his storytelling ability, William has been praised by Hillary Clinton as “the David Beckham of toasting.” With his Yorkshire wit, he shares anecdotes about the challenges of politics and the interplay of media and debate. He is also an accomplished historian, author of two bestsellers, and recipient of the History Book of the Year Award.