Andrea Leadsom

She strongly denies it, via Twitter to the journalist and The Times:

"Truly appalling and the exact opposite of what I said. I am disgusted".

"This is despicable and hateful reporting. You must now provide the transcript - this is beyond disgusting".

"This is the worst gutter journalism I've ever seen. I am so angry - I can't believe this. How could you?"

Who knows what to believe any more.

They did play some of the tape in Today this morning - but it was VERY short - in the clip she only said she was a mother. Depending how old the children are it could be seen as a downside if she had difficulty with a babysitter !!

Yes, it's a concern that this has been made an electioneering issue, whether she's said it or the journalist has.

I'm more concerned over the hyperbole used to deny it. How's she going to react as a leader to things that really matter?

This isnt the first time I think that she says provide all the evidence.

I am beginning to think that people have got it in for her. But we shall see when full transcipts or full evidence is produced.

I am surprised anybody is focusing on this rather than
1) her exaggerated claims on her CV which apparently has now been edited
2) her vagueness about whether she was a Marketing Director or Managing Director
3) her exaggerated banking "experience"
4) her total inexperience of Cabinet Office
5) her exaggerated charity claims
6) her hard line on marriage (a Christian Union between a man and a woman) which she fudged in the vote by going through both lobbies

When someone is found out for "bigging themselves up" do we automatically feel able to trust them with the future of our country?

Just heard on BBC news an article in the Times says in a (recorded) interview Leadsom says being a mother makes her a better choice to be PM. You can hear her saying that, so not made up. Whatever her meaning, she has little experience, both in cabinet level government ( none) and in dealing with the media, who will dig up anything remotely flakey. Can't believe anyone would think she was the best candidate for the job.

But for those who want to see the transcript, here it is

pbs.twimg.com/media/Cm4L2A1XYAEXs3E.jpg

How can she presume to know whether May wanted children?

There a pattern emerging here of a woman who would say anything just to get her way.

If she becomes PM she will make Thatcher seem like. Mother Theresa

If only half of what I've read about Mother Theresa is correct, she could have given Maggie a run for her money

I'm not at all surprised. In the big referendum debate she started 3 or 4 of her answers with the phrase 'as wife and mother'.

Is that the full transcript DaphneBroon?

The piece on the news that The Times has released is only part?
Why? What are they holding back?

Daphnebroon you are so right, Ms Leadsom seems to be on very shaky ground with her claims. Even allowing for reporting bias things do not sit right with her. Theresa May has behaved with dignity and has so much more relevant experience. Of course she is not perfect, who amongst us is, but I think she us a safe pair of hands in these difficult times.

The link only looks like part to me.

I think this could all backfire on The Times.

Rosemary West is a mother .

LOL AB

Well I suppose the obvious thing to do is buy the paper and read it for oneself.
The extract from the transcript is the relevant part, but why not read it for yourself.

I did ask on here at the time of the great debate who is that woman who keeps going on about 'being a mother' so this report doesn't surprise me at all. Mind you, if we are comparing her to Mother Theresa, isn't she anti abortion as well as being anti gay marriage?(Leadsom that is)

I remember that Tegan - and her turn of phrase in the debate.

I think that May would be the best choice for PM simply because she has a lot of experience in Government and was very muted in the EU referendum.Having said that, I also think that today's media will twist and warp a persons words, also ask leading questions, so that they get what they want.Leadsom is not experienced enough to realise this ( in fact, even experienced politicians fall into their trap at times).
The media decide to be Kingmakers.

I think this all doesn't matter too much. What I think matters most of all is her ability, and quite frankly she is totally untested. In normal times the country might be willing to take a punt, but this isn't normal times. As that well known Brexiter Michael Portillo said "we are extremely perilous times", and to risk these perilous times on an unknown would be foolish indeed.

Project SMEAR replaces Project FEAR!

Hopefully the grassroots voting membership will not be as gullible as is assumed. Those currently wielding the power clearly do not want to let go!

A PM should have the ability to dodge leading questions.