Cameron calls William Hague 'our greatest living Yorkshireman'

LONDON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Former Tory leader William Hague was deemed the "greatest living Yorkshireman" by U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron in a speech praising the departing conservative leader.

Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference, Cameron used his best Yorkshire accent to mimic Hague's speech to the conference, telling party members, "Some of you won't be here in 30 years time."

Hague resigned as foreign secretary during Cameron's summer cabinet reshuffle to lead the House of Commons.

"All I can say is this: that boy became an amazing parliamentarian, a brilliant foreign secretary, our greatest living Yorkshireman and someone to whom I owe an enormous debt of gratitude -- William Hague," said Cameron.

The conference covered additional issues including tax cuts and government spending, but it was that statement that lit Twitter on fire. British social media users rebuked the assertion with their own votes for the greatest living Yorkshiremen.

Hague is greatest living Yorkshireman says Cameron - news to Parky, Boycott and Pickles

— JamesLyons (@_James_Lyons_) October 1, 2014

David Hockney reacts to David Cameron calling William Hague "the greatest living Yorkshireman." pic.twitter.com/eAXpxUg97F

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— John McDermott (@johnpmcdermott) October 1, 2014

David Cameron just described William Hague as the greatest living Yorkshireman, presumably because he's the only one he's ever met.

— Ali Mason (@alimason) October 1, 2014

Has anyone told Sir Patrick Stewart that apparently he isn't the greatest living Yorkshireman #makeitso

— Michael (@MichaelS88444) October 1, 2014

Notable Yorkshirewomen including Dame Judi Dench, Jessica Ennis, Barbara Hepworth and Helen Sharman were also mentioned.