TODAY, The Northern Echo reflects on the career of William Hague who is standing down after 40 years in politics.

And, although the election starting pistol has been fired, it is right for people of all political allegiances to acknowledge what a distinguished career it has been.

He was not destined to be prime minister, having resigned as Conservative Party leader in the embarrassing wake of Tony Blair's second landslide victory in 2001. Nevertheless, Mr Hague has served his country with distinction, most recently as a Foreign Secretary who earned worldwide respect.

It is, however, the way he has balanced his international duties as a Cabinet minister with his local responsibilities as Richmond MP which we most appreciate.

Despite being engaged in world affairs, he has maintained close links with his North Yorkshire constituency and will be remembered as a strong and personable MP.

Mr Hague's vocal involvement in the recent campaign to save paediatric and maternity services at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital was a good example of his commitment to his constituency.

And, although that fight was lost, he has left a strong marker that further downgrading of the hospital must be met with strong opposition.

His decision to stand down also marks the end of an era for politics in our region. It is not long since the North-East was top heavy with Cabinet ministers, with the likes of Blair, Mandelson, Mowlam, and Milburn representing local constituencies.

With the departure of William Hague, British politics is not only losing one of its true heavyweights, but our region is losing the last of its MPs with a high enough profile to put a local area on the map.

We wish William Hague well.