Theresa May dismisses David Cameron's 'extreme Brexit' warning

Former prime minister says he wants he successor to 'win and win well'

Theresa May has dismissed comments from her predecessor David Cameron that she requires a strong majority at the general election in order to face down those intent on achieving an “extreme Brexit”.

In an interview on LBC radio, the Prime Minister listened back to a recording of Mr Cameron, saying he wanted his successor in Downing Street to “win and win well” as he campaigned for the Conservatives earlier on Thursday in Crewe and Nantwich.

But Mr Cameron added: “This is one of the most defining elections I can remember where it’s so important that the Conservatives win and win well, so Theresa can negotiate that Brexit deal and stand up to the people who want an extreme Brexit, either here or in Brussels.”

“But it's important that the Labour Party don’t do well because they put up a candidate for prime minister who is completely unsuited to do the job.”

But when asked about the comments and whether the reality of why she called the election was to stand up to her own MPs and avert an “extreme Brexit”, Ms May replied: “No. The reason I called the election was because I think we need the security and the stability for five years of greater certainty that will take us through Brexit and beyond.

“David is absolutely right when he says how crucial this election is because it is about the leadership of this country for the next five years.

“It is about ensuring we have got a strong negotiating hand. Every vote for me and my team will strengthen the UK’s hand negotiating that Brexit.”

Ukip’s Paul Nuttall seized on Mr Cameron’s comments, adding: “The mask slips, Cameron’s comments are exactly what we thought all along. Ms May is a Remainer at heart and this election is all about ensuring that she has a majority of lobber fodder to force through a soft, meaningless Brexit against the wishes of the British people.”

During the interview on LBC, Ms May also said that not having children has been “very sad” but that her Christian faith had helped her cope. In a rare glimpse into her personal life, the Prime Minister spoke of the impact the death of her father had on her when she was a newlywed.

She told LBC: “It’s been very sad, it just turned out not to be possible for us.

“Of course, we are not the only couple that finds ourselves in that situation and when you do I suppose you just get on with life. We’ve got nephews and nieces.”