Aylesbury-born MP in race to become leader of Conservative Party

The electorate’s shock decision to vote to leave on 23 June triggered the leadership contest, after Cameron, who had campaigned strongly for a remain vote, said he would step down to allow a new prime minister to guide the complex negotiations.

Mrs May will say: “These are the reasons why, under my leadership, the Conservative Party will put itself – completely, absolutely, unequivocally – at the service of working people”.

But speaking outside her Northamptonshire home, Mrs Leadsom, who has demanded a retraction by the newspaper, insisted: “I am disgusted at the way this has been presented”.

“I think Andrea Leadsom would do a great job because she understands the positive advantages of leaving the European Union and how you can turn that to a great opportunity for our country”.

But the mother of three tweeted that the way the interview was reported was “the exact opposite of what I said”.

He also slapped down the junior Energy Minister over her suggestion being a mother would make her a better Prime Minister than No 10 rival Theresa May, who does not have children. May is now in the lead with 199 votes, and Leadsom is at 84.

United Kingdom justice secretary Michael Gove, work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb and former defence minister Liam Fox are also in the running to replace Cameron following last month’s referendum in favour of Brexit. I do believe that this is fresh start, that politics in Westminster needs a change, Jeremy Corbyn tried to do that and they are kicking against it.

“If she was so bad what in heaven’s sake would the Prime Minister be doing making her a serious government minister?”

Leadsom backer Steve Baker – a fellow Brexit campaigner – described the upcoming contest as a “David vs Goliath” battle.

Allies of Theresa May have stepped up their attack on Andrea Leadsom, with one senior minister suggesting she could become the Tory equivalent of Jeremy Corbyn because of her lack of support in Parliament.

The Sunday Times said some 20 MPs are ready to form a breakaway party if Mrs Leadsom is elected as leader.

Although Mrs Leadsom is known to be more socially conservative than home secretary Mrs May, Mr Loughton said: “There is nothing traditional about Andrea in this respect…”

“You win elections by having that broad appeal”, she said.

Amid the firestorm, Leadsom emerged from her home to read a statement before media cameras.

Deputy Commons Leader Therese Coffey, another supporter of Mrs May, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Andrea is a friend, I know she’s not a malicious person”.

“I think when you’re thinking about the issues that other people have you worry about your kids’ exam results, what direction their careers are taking, what we are going to eat on Sundays”.