Right Man, Wrong Time?

It takes extraordinary cool for a politician to remain unruffled when, despite all his efforts, the polls unswervingly show his party heading for electoral disaster. Conservative leader William Hague is as cool as they come, campaigning to Armageddon with unfailing good humor. Perhaps that's because he comes from northern Yorkshire, where folk don't believe in showing emotion, and his judo blue belt also suggests a man of tough-minded self-discipline. Perhaps more pertinent, the 40-year-old Hague has learned to live with remorseless criticism. For the past four years he has been pilloried, mocked and satirized for his political judgment, his bald head...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!