CONSERVATIVE leader William Hague has stirred up a row with his claims that the government was seeking credit for having persuaded the Palace to change the arrangements for Diana's funeral.

But it is an own-goal error that displays a lack of both political nous and maturity.

True, the government's stock shot up as a result of Tony Blair's intervention.

For it showed he is a man with his finger firmly on the public pulse.

It also meant that Diana received the tribute millions of people believed she deserved and did much to limit the damage the Royal Family suffered through appearing so out of touch with public sentiment.

Yet, foolishly Mr Hague puts himself and his party in the position of criticising the government for having done exactly what the whole country wanted at a time of national tragedy. It is, of course, true that what he is actually complaining about is the subsequent Labour-friendly spin in the media that alleged ministerial leaks of Mr Blair's talks with the Palace are, in his view, deemed to have generated.

But few will be concerned with that detail, whether or not it has substance.

So far, young Mr Hague has failed to impress or live up to the role of party leader.

There are many who believe he was elected because of who he is not, rather than for his own hard-to-see talents.

And after this crass performance, the forthcoming annual conference of a still-bruised Tory Party may put his shortcomings in a harsh focus and provoke calls for a leader with greater skill and stature.

Tony Blair and Labour must still be overcome with joy that the opposition chose the naive Mr Hague and not bruiser Ken Clarke to lead them into battle.

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