Theresa May, speaking on the steps of Downing Street, accused Brussels of trying to sabotage Brexit and harm the UK Ben Cawthra/LNP

Theresa May accused Brussels yesterday of seeking to manipulate the election result, wreck Brexit talks and damage Britain’s economy in a heightening of tensions with EU leaders.

The prime minister used a statement on the steps of Downing Street to return fire after a series of hostile leaks and a warning that Britain’s divorce bill could reach €100 billion.

As she sought to turn the hardening stance of EU leaders to her domestic advantage, Mrs May claimed “some in Brussels” wanted to sabotage Brexit and harm the UK while trying to “affect the result of the general election”.

“The events of the last few days have shown that whatever our wishes and however reasonable the positions of Europe’s other leaders, there are some in Brussels…