Red-faced Leadsom hails Austen as one of our ‘greatest living authors’

COMMONS Leader Andrea Leadsom was mocked yesterday after describing Jane Austen as one of Britain’s greatest living authors just days after the 200th anniversary of the writer’s death.

The Cabinet minister blundered when attempting to praise the Pride And Prejudice author, who will feature on the new £10 note due for issue in September.

Mrs Leadsom, responding to comments from shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz praising leading female figures, said: ‘I would just add one other great lady to that lovely list, who I am delighted to join in celebrating, and that’s Jane Austen, who will feature on the new £10 note, one of our greatest living authors.’

Amid laughs from MPs, she corrected herself by saying ‘greatest ever authors’ and adding she was one of many who wished Austen was still alive.

Book retailer Waterstones joined in the teasing, tweeting: ‘We are currently moving all our Jane Austen stock from Classics into Greatest Living Authors. Thanks Andrea Leadsom for the heads up.’ It added: ‘Anyone know who Jane Austen’s agent is? We’d love to book her for an event.’