Conservative leadership candidate Andrea Leadsom has announced she is pulling out of the race to replace David Cameron as prime minister. 


The energy minister has paved the way for Home Secretary Theresa May, as the only remaining candidate, to be named Tory leader and PM as early as today. 


Mrs Leadsom said: "The best interests of our country inspired me to stand for the leadership. I believe that in leaving the EU a bright future awaits, where all our people can share in a new prosperity, freedom and democracy. 


"The referendum result demonstrated a clear desire for change - strong leadership is needed urgently to begin the work of withdrawing from the European Union. 


"A nine-week leadership campaign at such a critical moment for our country is highly undesirable." 


Mrs Leadsom's withdrawal came at the same time as Angela Eagle revealed she would be contesting Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour party - leaving most journalists with no choice but to quit her launch event. 


Mrs Leadsom added: "There is no greater privilege than to lead the Conservative Party in government and I would have been deeply honoured to do it. 


"I have, however, concluded that the interests of our country are best served by the immediate appointment of a strong and well-supported prime minister. 


"I am therefore withdrawing from the leadership election and I wish Theresa May the very greatest success. I assure her of my full support. Thank you very much

Source: BNA