The ‘knives are out’ against Andrea Leadsom and it is clear that the Conservatives have learned nothing from their inept Remain campaign strategy of fear and loathing.

Andrea Leadsom is the underdog in this race for number 10 and is getting a kicking. The British are dog lovers and they tend to rally around anyone they think is being treated unfairly. Kicking Leadsom for her inexperience in dealing with the press is unfair. She will learn fast or fail and that, in my view, is good.

The public are not stupid. We know the press want a headline and a story in their desperate bid for circulation. If they don’t get the story they want — they massage what is said or make it up.

Leadsom has now entered the media spotlight and her enemies are out to get her. She will be tested to the limit and that’s a good thing for the world outside her closest supporters is not going to be a pushover either.

There is no doubt, Theresa May is more experienced in dealing with the media. She is a ‘safer pair of hands’ based on her record. Is she as committed to Brexit? Time will tell.

The good option is for May to be our new PM and Leadsom head up the cabinet negotiating team to deal with the EU. This will give her further experience for the future.

But and it’s a big BUT, if the media and supporters of May seek to adopt their fear and loathing position they may get another shock — when the grassroots turn on them and vote for Leadsom out of sheer ‘bloody mindedness’.

Don’t underestimate the British Spirit.