South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom apologises to Theresa May over motherhood comments

In an interview with the Times, which appeared in the Saturday edition of the newspaper, Mrs Leadsom spoke about how being a mum-of-three made her a suitable candidate to be next Prime Minister.

The Times reported her motherhood gave her “the edge” on her leadership rival, Theresa May, who has no children.

In the piece Mrs Leadsom was reported as saying Theresa May “possibly has nieces, nephews, lots of people.”

She then added: “I have children who are going to have children who will directly be part of what happens next.”

Mrs Leadsom immediately faced a backlash over the comments, which critics felt was a deliberate attack on Mrs May for not having children.

However the South Northamptonshire MP said her words were taken out of context by the Times and even called on the broadsheet to retract the story.

Today however The Telegraph reports that Mrs Leadsom has apologised to Theresa May.

It says the The Energy Minister contacted the Home Secretary to say “how very sorry” she was for any “hurt caused.”

Speaking outside of her constituency home on Saturday, Mrs Leadsom said: “I want to be crystal clear that everyone has an equal state in our society and in the future of our country. That is what I believe and it is what I have always believed.

“This campaign must at all times be principled and honourable.”