William Hague thankful for backing from supporters

Foreign Secretary William Hague yesterday said he and wife Ffion had received “huge public support” following their decision to issue a frank statement about their private life earlier in the week.

Questions were raised over Mr Hague’s judgment after he released the statement on Wednesday, in which he denied an “improper” relationship with a male aide, rejected suggestions his marriage was in trouble and revealed that Ffion had suffered a number of miscarriages.

But he yesterday sent out a message of thanks on micro-blogging service Twitter to the many people he said had backed him and his wife.

“Feel I must say a big thank you from Ffion and me for the huge public support, on Twitter, in letters and in e-mails,” wrote Mr Hague.

Mr Hague received strong public backing from Cabinet colleague Michael Gove.

The Education Secretary told BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show: “William is an outstanding Foreign Secretary, one of the most gifted politicians of our time.

“I feel admiration for the dignity with which he has always handled himself. There have been all sorts of attempts in the past to throw stuff at him, not least when he was leader.

“William is a real asset to frontline politics. We are lucky to have him in public service.”