William Hague Picture Ref: 77401-104SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE: FORMER Tory leader William Hague says a return to the frontbench is on the cards.

Speaking at the Swindon Literature Festival, the MP drew interesting parallels between himself and 18th century prime minister William Pitt the Younger.

Pitt was Britain's youngest prime minister at the age of 24, Hague became the youngest ever leader of the Conservative Party at the age of 36.

There are rumours circulating in Westminster circles that Mr Hague will bide his time before making a dramatic return to power.

He recently turned down the chance to become shadow chancellor in Michael Howard's new team.

The politician, who entertained yesterday's audience with extracts from his 652-page biography about Pitt, said he doesn't want politics to take over his life.

Pitt, who became Britain's premier at just 24, died aged 46.

Mr Hague said: "Politics controls your life. When you enter it you freeze.

"You don't make new friends because you no longer know who you can trust and you don't have time for hobbies.

"These days most of us survive by cycling in and out of office pretty quickly.

"I am not going to get involved in a leadership contest but I do expect to get back into frontline politics in some form in the next few years."

Hague said writing the biography had made him look at life differently.

"There are other things in life besides politics.

"It's not the end of the rainbow. It can kill you early as William Pitt found out.

"I am in no rush to get back (to politics). I enjoy trying to excel at writing."

Members of the audience chuckled as Mr Hague compared 18th century election campaigns to today's.

He told an amusing tale about the 1784 election celebrations.

Emerging victorious, crowds released the horses that were pulling his carriage and took their place to pull it along.

"Unfortunately for Pitt they were in charge of where he was going," Hague told the packed audience gathered in Old Town's Arts Centre.

A fracas occurred and Pitt the Younger narrowly escaped from the carriage unhurt.

"His defeated political opponent Charles James-Fox denied any involvement and insisted he was in bed all night with his mistress.

"Because it was the 18th century nobody batted an eyelid."

Mr Hague revealed plans to write a second autobiography about William Pitt snr if he doesn't land himself a shadow cabinet position.

He added that writing the biography wasn't a breeze as a great deal of research was needed.

"Biographies are not just about understanding the person they involve understanding the period," he said.

Kevin Shoesmith