William Hague tops cross-party MPs’ poll

Foreign Secretary voted vost impressive parliamentarian by MPs of all parties

The annual survey by Ipsos Mori places the Foreign Secretary in top place (AFP/Getty)

William Hague has been voted the most impressive parliamentarian by MPs of all parties, a poll reveals today.

The annual survey by Ipsos Mori puts the Foreign Secretary in top place, backed by 26 per cent of his parliamentary colleagues. He overtakes Michael Gove: the Education Secretary was top last year, but has fallen to fourth position, with 12 per cent support.

David Cameron is second, on 23 per cent, while the highest-ranking Labour MP is Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs select committee, is on 20 per cent.

Ed Miliband, who was third last year, has fallen to equal 10th place, with Ed Balls, the Shadow Chancellor; each received just 6 per cent of the vote. Every year Ipsos Mori asks MPs to select the MP and the minister or shadow minister they find most impressive. Mr Hague was voted top by Labour MPs as well as by Tories.

Mr Hague comes top of the list of best frontbenchers too, followed by Mr Gove and shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is the highest-ranking shadow minister, with 16 per cent backing. Simon Atkinson, assistant chief executive at the pollsters, said: “This confirms the political rehabilitation of William Hague, with the Foreign Secretary receiving recognition across the House for his performance both in Parliament and in his ministerial role”.