Hague turns the tables to sink 'Titanic' Frost

At first sight it was an unfair contest. On one side was a man who had occupied one of the most powerful positions in British politics, a well known conservative who has often made Tony Blair squirm. On the other was William Hague.

But when Sir David Frost, doyen of the TV interviewing trade, was quizzed by the former Tory leader yesterday, there was only one prizefighter left standing at the end.

The encounter, the centrepiece of Cancer Research UK's annual "Turn the Tables" lunch at the Savoy Hotel in London, was strictly for charity but certainly allowed Mr Hague the chance to get his own back.

Indications that this would be a one-sided bout came early on. Boris Johnson, Tory MP and editor of The Spectator, introduced Sir David as "a Titanic figure" in the history of British broadcasting. Without missing a beat, Mr Hague interjected: "And we all know what happened to the Titanic..."

Mr Hague decided to adopt an interviewing technique that was in many ways a homage to the king of the breakfast sofa himself. First he would soften up his opponent with some simple questions, then he would bowl his googlies.Mr Hague deployed the trick he often used at Prime Minister's Questions, using his opponents' past quotes against them.

"You once said: 'My idea of a great interview was finding out what really turns John Major on'.... well, did you find out what turns John Major on?" Cue laughter all round.

The audience hummed at how impressive the former Tory leader had been. A mischievous Mr Johnson summed it up: "Bring back Hague."