He also wrote a biography of William Pitt the Younger, received with great acclaim. He has made so much money through his writing and speaking that he does not really need the ministerial salary. As I have said before on other posts, he probably peaked too early, but I wouldn't write him off just yet. His time may well come, if this coalition goes awry. With regard to his northern accent, I don't remember Harold Wilson ever being mocked for the same thing. Although I voted Tory last week, I would have done so with much more enthusiasm had Hague been leader. Wait and see!