Theresa May challenges Brexit champion Andrea Leadsom to reject help from UKIP and run a ‘clean campaign’ for PM
Mrs Leadsom has been endorsed by UKIP chief Nigel Farage and party donor Arron Banks
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.
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.
It also commits her to sticking to the £135,000 campaign spending limit and “clean” social media campaigning.
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.
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.”
A spokesman for Mrs Leadsom said: “There will be absolutely no relationship with Ukip, Leave.EU or other groups.”