BREAKING NEWS: Northants MP Leadsom WILL run to be the next Prime Minister

The 53-year-old who lives near her constituency offices in Towcester, had been considering whether to mount a leadership challenge after David Cameron announced he would be stepping down last Friday.

But this morning she has finally confirmed the rumours via her Twitter feed:

She wrote: “Delighted to say I’m running for the @Conservatives Leadership. Let’s make the most of the Brexit opportunities!”

The Chronicle & Echo has contacted the MP for comment.

Andrea Leadsom is almost certain to go up against fellow Brexiteer Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Theresa May in the leadership race. Other candidates are expected to announced their intentions throughout the day.