Leader of the Opposition William Hague has told the Newsquest Editorial Conference that a free press locally and nationally is the oxygen of democracy.

During his speech, at the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, Bradford, Mr Hague rounded on the Government’s criticism of the media over issues including the Millennium Dome and the WI speech.

He said: “The job of the media is not to act as the unquestioning mouthpiece of politicians. It is to be the mouthpiece of the public.”

Mr Haque also commented that local and regional papers were going from strength to strength and the main reason for this was their community spirit.

He said: “Local papers are there to account to their readers and ask questions on their behalf.

“The reason local and regional papers are so successful is because they are so close to their communities and are accountable to them, reflecting needs and aspirations of people living there.

“A free press locally and nationally is the oxygen of democracy. I support the freedom of the press even when it has been of its most intrusive and critical of me personally.