Theresa Villiers: Andrea Leadsom has the energy and intellect to reunite nation

Andrea Leadsom has what it takes to go from unheralded outsider to winner in this contest. Playing a part in choosing a new prime minister is an onerous responsibility. Reflecting with care leaves me in no doubt that Andrea is the right person to lead our country.

Andrea is a woman of principle. Her message is fresh and optimistic and it’s backed up by a lifetime of business and political experience.

During my years in the Cabinet, I’ve seen at first hand the burdens placed on a prime minister. The workload is relentless and the scrutiny is unrelenting. Andrea has the determination and the ability to overcome these challenges and take us forward to the bright future I’m certain we’ll have outside the European Union.

Andrea’s intellectual rigour, proven in multiple roles, equips her ideally to deliver the strong economy we all need. The compassion which has shaped her outstanding work providing life-changing services to babies and mums around the country illustrates the importance which she attaches to the vital goal of improving life chances.

I worked shoulder to shoulder with Andrea throughout the referendum. At every step of the way, her positive message of hope and confidence shone through. It’s a message we should all rally behind — this is a great country and we can stand on our own two feet and we can thrive.

It’s especially important to bridge the divisions which have emerged in our country following the referendum. Brexit will open up many new opportunities. Now is the time to work with people from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as we shape our new relationship with our European neighbours, based on free trade and friendly co-operation.

I know we can be confident that, in taking forward that great task, Andrea wholeheartedly supports the clear message delivered by the people of this country on June 23.

Eleven years ago, I took a risk and backed a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party who was a rank outsider, not tipped to win, someone who most of the country had never heard of, who had only been in Parliament for a few years. That candidate was David Cameron and he transformed the fortunes of the Conservative Party.

Once again, it is time for a fresh start and a fresh face. Andrea can provide the dynamism we need to make a success of the Brexit decision and also to carry on the crucial objective we have set ourselves of transforming this country for the better.