Contender to replace David Cameron appears to take swipe at rival Theresa May, who campaigned to remain in EU

The Conservative leadership contender Andrea Leadsom appears to have taken a swipe at the frontrunner, Theresa May, saying the next leader must be a Brexit supporter rather than someone “who is reluctantly following the wishes of the people”.

Leadsom is reportedly odds-on to become May’s closest rival on the ballot paper that will decide Britain’s next prime minister, as Michael Gove fails to land significant backing from fellow Conservative MPs after he forced out Boris Johnson from the contest.

Another contender, Stephen Crabb, has responded to criticism of his decision to vote against gay marriage, saying his concern “at the time was about freedom of religion”.

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According to Sky News research, May has the backing of 95 Tory MPs, while Leadsom has the support of 20. Crabb is ahead of Gove with the backing of 22 MPs to the justice secretary’s 18, while the final contender, Liam Fox, trails behind with the support of seven MPs.

Asked whether the next Conservative leader must be a leave supporter, Leadsom, who campaigned to leave the EU, told the Daily Telegraph: “I certainly think [so] because I’ve been absolutely closely involved and very passionate about the opportunities from Brexit.”



Although the energy minister did not refer to May directly, she said: “I think it’s very difficult for somebody who doesn’t agree with that, who is reluctantly following the wishes of the people. I think it’s quite hard for them to really see the opportunities.

“I genuinely believe that if we want to make a go of it then we need somebody who believes in it.”

May, who campaigned quietly to remain in the EU, attempted to head off any criticism that she would not be the right person to lead Britain’s exit from the union when she launched her leadership bid, saying “Brexit means Brexit”.

The home secretary promised categorically that Britain would leave the EU, with no attempts to “remain through the back door”.

“The country voted to leave the European Union, and it is the duty of the government and of parliament to make sure we do just that,” she said.

Crabb, who also campaigned to remain, described the referendum result as a new chance but said a “big national push” would be needed.

The work and pensions secretary surprised his contemporaries when he voted against gay marriage.



The Christian MP told the Times that he does not disapprove of gay relationships. “I’ve got nothing against people committing to each other whatever their sexuality. That’s a good thing in society. My concern at the time was … about freedom of religion.”

He told the newspaper politicians should be allowed to talk about their faith. “There are moments where it’s a good thing for people in all professions to be a bit more open. We don’t want faith to be something people should be worried to speak about.”