Theresa May challenges Brexit champion Andrea Leadsom to reject help from UKIP and run a ‘clean campaign’ for PM

THERESA May last night challenged Brexit champion Andrea Leadsom to reject help from Ukip as she demanded a “clean campaign”.

Mrs Leadsom has been endorsed by Ukip chief Nigel Farage and the party’s major donor Arron Banks.

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The fervent online backing of Ukip supporters has seen them dubbed “Leadbangers” in Westminster.

But Mrs May, who supported Remain, has signed a pledge vowing not to co-operate with other political parties, their donors, members or active backers.

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It also commits her to sticking to the £135,000 campaign spending limit and “clean” social media campaigning.

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The leadership fight must be kept “within the acceptable limits of political debate”, and carried out in the interests of the Tory Party and the country.

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Mrs May said: “The public are tired of people acting like politics is a game, so a clean campaign is what our party and the country deserve.

“I am signing a Clean Campaign Pledge.

“I hope Andrea will do the same.”

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A spokesman for Mrs Leadsom said: “There will be absolutely no relationship with Ukip, Leave.EU or other groups.”