"In the old days, you'd buy some tv and print media and stack 'em high and let 'em fly, " said Debra Sandler, chief consumer officer for Mars Chocolate North America.
"He led by example as much as anything, but he wasn't frightened to let fly with some invective, particularly with anyone who didn't work up to his standard, " said McLeish.
Such is the Tories' new-found dedication to internal democracy that Mr Hague is willing if that is the party's wish to let the egregious Lord Archer fly the party's flag in the election for London's mayor.