Energy and Climate Change Minister Andrea Leadsom has joined the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

The MP for South Northamptonshire declared she wants to “make the most of the Brexit opportunities” in a post on social media.

Ms Leadsom, who campaigned to leave the EU, rose to the fore after her performances in the ITV and BBC referendum debates.

She served on the Treasury Select Committee from 2010 and worked as Economic Secretary to the Treasury since April 2014.

Home Secretary Theresa May and Justice Secretary Michael Gove have also launched bids among others for the Tory leadership.

Conservatives MPs will now whittle them down to two candidates who will then face off in a vote by the party membership of more than 150,000, with the winner expected to be announced on 9th September.