Kemi Badenoch (Image: Getty)

       “I have to quickly sort out a DIY order,” she says, explaining the issue at hand, laughing, before popping back through the doorway.

       Not quite the entrance I had expected from someone regarded as one of Westminster’s most fearsome politicians.

       The multi-tasking MP has invited me into her London home for an exclusive interview with the Daily Express with just two weeks to go until the result of the Tory leadership contest is announced.

       Ms Badenoch is the favourite to replace Rishi Sunak as leader.

       Don't miss... Change to internet-only TV could cost 4.3 million households ￡218 [LATEST]

       We’re meeting at her terraced London house - husband Hamish has taken the couple’s three children to her constituency home in Saffron Walden so she can focus, DIY issues aside, on her campaign.

       The back of the house appears to be a hive of activity as her team, smartphones firmly in hand, plan the busy day and week ahead.

       Sitting on a comfy soft leather sofa in the tranquillity of the front room I spot a chunky book about former Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee on a shelf above the fireplace.

       But it is another former premier that the 44-year-old wants to emulate - her political hero Margaret Thatcher.

       Now settled in a chair Ms Badenoch says she is “flattered” but somewhat “overwhelmed” that senior Tory figures - who were around in the early 1970s - have said it feels like just before Mrs Thatcher became Conservative leader.

       Don't miss...

       Nigel Farage sets his sights on Rishi Sunak's seat after rumours he'll quit [LATEST]

       Robert Jenrick unveils plan to cut 2p from income tax - as he takes aim at Truss [POLITICS]

       Kemi Badenoch issues eight-word warning to Robert Jenrick [TORIES]

       Margaret Thatcher (Image: Getty)

       Trending

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

       As the interview progresses it’s clear that she is a no-nonsense person who wants and does get things done.

       But she is relaxed, as you would expect from being in her own home, engaging and nuanced.

       We cover everything from toppling Keir Starmer to saving the Conservative party by winning back disgruntled voters from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

       And then my time is up as a campaign event in Hertfordshire beckons for the former Cabinet Secretary.