diff --git a/IPython/core/inputtransformer2.py b/IPython/core/inputtransformer2.py
index 0bf22a1..04f4232 100644
--- a/IPython/core/inputtransformer2.py
+++ b/IPython/core/inputtransformer2.py
@@ -18,6 +18,19 @@ import warnings
 
 _indent_re = re.compile(r'^[ \t]+')
 
+def leading_empty_lines(lines):
+    """Remove leading empty lines
+
+    If the leading lines are empty or contain only whitespace, they will be
+    removed.
+    """
+    if not lines:
+        return lines
+    for i, line in enumerate(lines):
+        if line and not line.isspace():
+            return lines[i:]
+    return lines
+
 def leading_indent(lines):
     """Remove leading indentation.
 
@@ -510,6 +523,7 @@ class TransformerManager:
     """
     def __init__(self):
         self.cleanup_transforms = [
+            leading_empty_lines,
             leading_indent,
             classic_prompt,
             ipython_prompt,
diff --git a/IPython/core/tests/test_inputtransformer2_line.py b/IPython/core/tests/test_inputtransformer2_line.py
index 13a18d2..102f449 100644
--- a/IPython/core/tests/test_inputtransformer2_line.py
+++ b/IPython/core/tests/test_inputtransformer2_line.py
@@ -86,3 +86,31 @@ def test_leading_indent():
     for sample, expected in [INDENT_SPACES, INDENT_TABS]:
         nt.assert_equal(ipt2.leading_indent(sample.splitlines(keepends=True)),
                         expected.splitlines(keepends=True))
+
+LEADING_EMPTY_LINES = ("""\
+    \t
+
+if True:
+    a = 3
+
+b = 4
+""", """\
+if True:
+    a = 3
+
+b = 4
+""")
+
+ONLY_EMPTY_LINES = ("""\
+    \t
+
+""", """\
+    \t
+
+""")
+
+def leading_empty_lines():
+    for sample, expected in [LEADING_EMPTY_LINES, ONLY_EMPTY_LINES]:
+        nt.assert_equal(
+                ipt2.leading_empty_lines(sample.splitlines(keepends=True)),
+                expected.splitlines(keepends=True))