William Hague thanks public for 'huge support'

The Foreign Secretary William Hague has said he and his wife, Ffion, have received "huge public support" following the frank statement about their private life he issued last week.

Mr Hague rejected suggestions that his marriage was in trouble and revealed that his wife had suffered several miscarriages, whilst denying an "improper" relationship with his aide Christopher Myers, which had become the subject of considerable internet speculation.

Questions were raised over Mr Hague's judgement after he released the statement on Wednesday, but yesterday he sent out a message of thanks on 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 emails," wrote Mr Hague.

The Foreign Secretary also received strong public backing from Michael Gove. The Education Secretary told the BBC'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." A spokesman for David Cameron said the Prime Minister "totally understands why William made the statement he did and he backs him 100 per cent".