Lord Hague, who was Mr Sunak’s predecessor as MP for Richmond and is seen as his mentor, denied that he had masterminded Lord Cameron’s return to government.
He told Times Radio: “I knew about it a few days before and spoke to David Cameron to brief him about my views on foreign affairs and the Foreign Office.
“But it wasn’t my idea. You read these things, I set it up in some way, it was my idea – that’s not the case. I know Rishi Sunak and David Cameron very well, but sometimes in politics, things are simpler than they look.
He added: “I told both of them I thought it was a great idea because … I think David Cameron’s experience in the Foreign Office brings huge experience in world affairs.”
Lord Hague claimed that several prime ministers had approached him to return to government, but insisted he was “dead-set” against another role and would not do a “Frank Sinatra”.
The appointment of Lord Cameron, who led the campaign for Britain to remain in the European Union, has shocked commentators and provoked a backlash from Brexiteers.
China hawks on the Tory benches have also expressed disquiet about the return of a prime minister who declared a “golden period”of British-Sino relations in 2015.
However, Lord Hague said the move would allow the Government to draw a line under damaging stories emanating from the Covid Inquiry and Nadine Dorries, the former culture secretary.
He wrote in a Times column: “Having worked with Cameron every day for a decade until I left government, I am very pleased he will now be sitting in my old chair.
“The impression given to the public by the combination of the Covid Inquiry … and the conspiracy theories in the book by Nadine Dorries is that government is conducted in a vile, tense atmosphere, dominated by foul-mouthed, incompetent advisers.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
