Hague approached to present satire

Former British Tory party leader William Hague has been approached to present TV’s Have I Got News For You, it emerged today.

The show’s panelist Ian Hislop believes Mr Hague will prove an “extremely witty” host for the BBC satirical show.

The MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, is now considering the offer to become a guest presenter, following in the footsteps of Anne Robinson, Jeremy Clarkson and Boris Johnson.

The BBC has employed various celebrities to host the show after Angus Deayton was sacked over tabloid sex and drugs revelations last year.

A spokeswoman for Mr Hague said: “The BBC are keen for William to get involved and he is seriously considering their offer.”

Private Eye editor Hislop said he had the idea to approach Mr Hague after seeing him give an after-dinner speech.

He told the Daily Express: “I was at a dinner at which Hague was speaking. He is an extremely witty and adept performer – as he showed in the Commons – and it struck me he might be good for the show.”

The BBC said Mr Hague could even become a regular presenter if his performance went down well.

“Ian Hislop thinks that William Hague would make a good presenter and he has been approached about taking part,” a spokeswoman said.

“Using different guest presenters worked well during the last series and it is something we will continue when the new series begins in April. But we are always on the look-out for a permanent host if somebody proves particularly impressive.”

She also denied rumours that Deayton could be making a return to the show, saying: “We have always said that Angus Deayton would not be coming back and that remains the case.”