Andrea Leadsom: Britain needs to get on with leaving the EU

Ms Leadsom has emerged as a top pro-Brexit contender for the leadership Credit: PA

Britain needs to "get on with" leaving the EU, Tory leadership candidate Andrea Leadsom has said, as she called for David Cameron's successor to come from the Brexit camp.

The energy minister said the current favourite Theresa May, who supported the Remain campaign, was a "superb candidate" but was not enthusiastic about leaving the EU.

"I believe the country needs to be led by someone who believes fervently and understands the opportunities of leaving the EU."

Leadsom has emerged as a top pro-Brexit contender to rival May.

During the BBC's Andrew Marr show, said said:

  • claimed she wanted to make Britain "the greatest country on earth"

  • said she had the "real world credentials" to be prime minister

  • promised to publish her tax returns

Ms Leadsom earlier told the Sunday Telegraph that the UK could pull out of the European Union as early as next year following last month's referendum vote.

"We need to get a grip and make progress."

Leadsom said she had been on "journey" since giving a speech three years ago in which she said leaving the EU would be a "disaster".