Marr asks Leadsom if she would have Farrage in her government

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• published: 03 Jul 2016
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Andrea Leadsom woos Tories with promise to be the 'heir' to Thatcher - but REFUSES to rule out bringing in Nigel Farage if she beats Theresa May to Tory crown Leadsom gaining ground to take on front-runner Theresa May in contest The former City worker has passed Michael Gove as leading Brexiteer She today claimed to share Thatcher's combination of strength and warmth Andrea Leadsom today portrayed herself as the heir to Margaret Thatcher as she battled to beat Theresa May to the Tory crown. But she refused to rule out appointing Ukip leader Nigel Farage to her Brexit negotiating team if she overhauls the front runner to become PM. Asked directly if she would bring in Mr Farage, she said: 'I don't want to get into who does what.' In an interview on the BBC Andrew Marr programme, Ms Leadsom defended herself against claims she was being hypocritical after a 2013 speech emerged in which she claimed Brexit 'would be a disaster for our economy and it would lead to a decade of economic and political uncertainty'. Ms Leadsom agreed to publish her tax return during the interview - but insisted she did not want to set a precedent for all MPs She said in the same speech she had demanded 'fundamental reform' and today insisted the EU had demonstrated it would never reform when David Cameron asked for change. Ms Leadsom insisted today: 'I probably know more about the EU than most people in Government right now.' Ms Leadsom told Marr it was vital for someone who 'believes in the opportunities of leaving the EU' becomes Prime Minister to negotiate the exit. She said: 'As a person, she was always kind and courteous and as a leader she was steely and determined. 'I think that's an ideal combination - and I do like to think that's where I am.' She insisted she was not a 'reincarnation' of the former PM but added: 'I met her a few times. I was always in awe of her and I don't think people should be in awe of me. 'I'm just a normal person.' Ms Leadsom, seen arriving at the BBC today, claimed in a newspaper interview she shared Lady Thatcher's combination of toughness with 'personal warmth' Ms Leadsom today gained high profile support from Tory grandees Lord Tebbit, and Sir Bill Cash, the chairman of the Commons EU scrutiny select committee. Sir Bill told the Sunday Telegraph: 'Andrea is the authentic voice for Brexit. She is competent, she is experienced, she has knowledge of the EU issue and she will deliver.' Lord Tebbit, who served in Thatcher's Cabinet, said: 'She has a hinterland of business experience outside, which is something sorely needed these days among members of the House of Commons. 'If you look at her background, her beliefs and her record she is essentially a Thatcherite figure. She is the obvious candidate.'