Senior Tory women spearhead the backlash against leadership contender Andrea Leadsom after motherhood jibe at rival Theresa May

Allies of the Home Secretary have lined up to criticise the energy minister after she claimed to have a greater 'stake' in Britain's future because she is a mother. Mrs Leadsom (pictured left) attempted to hit back in the row yesterday by insisting she was 'disgusted' with the way that her comments had been presented. But she was accused of being either mailicious or naive, with opponents saying either option demonstrated she was not fit to lead the country. Some of the fiercest condemnation came from business minister Anna Soubry (pictured above centre), who urged Mrs Leadsom to 'do us all a favour including herself' and quit the leadership contest because she was clearly not 'PM material'. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson (top right), Deputy Commons Leader Therese Coffey (bottom right) and employment minister Priti Patel (bottom centre) have also weighed into the row

source: mailonline