Hague on defensive after facing questions of suitability

The Richmond MP was hailed as a “great asset” by Downing Street after he insisted he was committed to the post for “an extended period of time”.

Earlier this week Mr Hague was forced to accept responsibility for the operation that saw special forces captured in Libya – although they were released safely on Monday – and he has also been under fire after wrongly suggesting that Colonel Gaddafi was fleeing to Venezuela.

Questions over his future were fuelled when former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell publicly questioned his appetite for the job of Foreign Secretary, describing the post as “very demanding” and saying he was unsure “just how enthusiastic he is”.

But facing questions in a press conference yesterday, Mr Hague said: “These are historic and momentous events that are taking place.

“I say to you very seriously that all of us who have taken on the job of shouldering responsibilities at this time will see those responsibilities through for an extended period of time in the face of any criticism or setbacks.

“That is certainly how I feel about it.”

Asked about Sir Menzies’s comments later, David Cameron’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister agrees with the Foreign Secretary.”

Pressed as to whether Mr Hague’s position was under threat, he said: “We never speculate about reshuffles ... there are no plans to have one any time soon.”

However a Downing Street source described Mr Hague as a “great asset” and dismissed the speculation, saying he continues to be an important part of the Government.

Mr Hague, a favourite with the Tory grassroots, was described as Mr Cameron’s deputy in all but name before the general election as a sign of his influence in the Tory hierarchy.

Pro-Gaddafi forces launch fierce attacks: Page 10; Bernard Ingham: Page 13.