Britain will emerge from Brexit with a “better, brighter future”, Theresa May pledges today as she warns that the country faces “tough times” while it negotiates to leave the European Union.

In her first interview since she and Andrea Leadsom were named as the final two candidates vying to become the next Prime Minister, Mrs May tells the Telegraph: "Politics can do with some bloody difficult women.”

The Home Secretary says that a female Prime Minister will bring "honesty" and a greater focus on "delivery" in Downing Street, as she suggests that men tend to treat politics as a “game”.

She also appeals to people not to consider her as a "remainer" after she campaigned to keep Britain in the EU, saying that she is "very clear that Brexit means Brexit".