Dacorum’s MPs, Mike Penning and David Gauke joined over 300 guests at Hemel Hempstead Conservative Association’s annual dinner on Wednesday (11th February) which was held at Shendish Manor.

Guest speaker, Shadow Foreign Secretary and former party leader Rt Hon William Hague MP had guests “in stitches” with a series of self-deprecating stories, many featuring his appearances on the cover of Private Eye.

In his role as Shadow Foreign Secretary, Mr Hague has visited over 40 countries in the past three years. He recounted how, at a dinner on his first visit to Japan – and with almost no experience of Japanese food – his opposite number and interpreter both pulled faces as he cheerfully munched his way through a table decoration.

Mr Hague then gave full backing to the leadership of David Cameron and the first class Shadow Cabinet and Shadow Minister teams that he has put in place ready to form the next Government. He particularly highlighted the roles played by our local MPs – both of whom are Shadow Ministers and in line for key roles should the Conservatives form the next Government.

On the subject of the economy, William Hague told guests that any incoming Government will inherit the largest national debt of any new Government excepting those immediately following a world war. “Gordon Brown has done as much damage to the economy as a world war” he said, “only after a world war we had a lot more to show for it.”

Speaking afterwards Mike Penning said:

“I am absolutely delighted that William agreed to come to speak to us. He is a very able and experienced politician who will make a first class Foreign Secretary. He is also a much sought after speaker and we are very lucky that he was willing to come to speak to us.”

David Gauke added:

“It is always a joy listening to William speak. He is probably the greatest political orator of our generation.”

Photo: Mike Penning with William Hague and guests at Hemel Conservatives' Annual Dinner. Photo: www.ianwaldronphotography.com.

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