‘William Hague has stood down as David Cameron mounted a “cull of the middle-aged white men” in his biggest reshuffle since becoming Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron fired the starting gun for the general election by sacking or moving at least six Cabinet members to make way for a series of young women, who will be promoted on Tuesday.

Mr Hague said he was quitting as Foreign Secretary with immediate effect, saying there is a “need for renewal” in the Government.’

Read more: William Hague quits as a dozen ministers axed in cabinet reshuffle