FORMER Tory leader William Hague will have to see the lighter side of politics if he is to accept an offer to host the BBC's popular satirical quiz show.

The MP for Richmond is considering a one-off appearance on Have I Got News For You, slipping into the shoes of the disgraced Angus Deayton.

Deayton stepped down last October after revelations about his private life, involving drug taking and prostitutes.

Mr Hague is yet to accept the offer to host the show for one night in the new series which starts next month.

Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye and one of the show's regulars, is keen to have the former leader of the opposition as host and is said to have suggested him to BBC bosses.

Mr Hague's spokeswoman said: "He has been approached and is waiting to be persuaded.

"I think he'll do a good job if he accepts the offer, but there is a lot going on at the moment so we will just have to see."

A number of personalities, including Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy, have already presented editions of the show since Deayton's departure.

The new series will feature well-known, one-off hosts.

A BBC spokeswoman said the makers of the show, Hat Trick Productions, were happy with different guest hosts and there was no rush for a permanent host.

She said: "We had to find a quick solution after Deayton left and it was decided that guest presenters would be invited on each week.

"This proved very popular with the public and 7.3 million tuned in when Anne Robinson presented the show."