William Hague's preparations for the next general election are being threatened by a rift in the shadow cabinet, members of which believe that Hague's aides are deliberately undermining them.

People close to the shadow foreign secretary, Francis Maude, have briefed the press revealing that Maude could now "scarcely conceal his contempt for Mr Hague" and that relations were so bad that Maude did not expect to remain in the job after the election.

Ann Widdecombe and Michael Portillo are all said to be "bruised" by media attacks, which they claim are orchestrated by Hague supporters, including Amanda Platell and Lord (Seb) Coe.