Andrea Leadsom refuses to rule out prospect of Nigel Farage joining Brexit negotiations

The Ms Leadsom was a prominent Brexit campaigner is one of her main advantages in the Conservative leadership contest

Conservative leadership contender and prominent Leave campaigner Andrea Leadsom has refused to rule out the prospect of Nigel Farage taking part in Brexit talks.

The next Prime Minister faces the hugely challenging and delicate task of disentangling Britain from the EU, whilst attempting to maintain the best possible deal for the country.

Ukip leader Mr Farage has served as an MEP, but is widely disliked in the European Parliament. He was, however, one of the most crucial figures on the Leave side in the referendum campaign.

On the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Andrea Leadsom, second favourite for the Conservative party leadership, was asked if, as leader, she would include Mr Farage in exit negotiations.

Mr Marr said some people claim Mr Farage is the "great victor of this [Brexit], in many respects, he should be there [Brexit negotiations] and not pushed by the Westminster establishment."

Ms Leadsom replied: “I wouldn’t want to get into who would do what.

"What we need is somebody to lead the campaign who really believes in the opportunities.”

But Mr Farage has always been a political outsider and is a very divisive figure. Many observers believe his presence in negotiations could damage the UK’s chance of getting a good deal.

Ms Leadsom was also a prominent Brexit campaigner. This is seen as one of her main advantages in the ongoing contest for the leadership of the Conservative party, which will also determine who the next Prime Minister is.

Home Secretary Theresa May is currently the bookies' favourite for the Conservative leadership but was a Remain campaigner. Some Brexit-backers have said this puts her at a disadvantage for the premiership, and have said the UK needs a leader who supported leaving the EU from the beginning, so they can push for a vision they really believe in.