Politicians across the UK and Ireland have been reacting to the news that Theresa May will stand down as Prime Minister.
Mrs May announced on Friday morning that she will resign as leader of the Tory party on Friday, June 7.
The Prime Minister’s speech was praised by some party colleagues but came under criticism from opposition politicians.
LIVE: Theresa May in tears as she announces date she will quit as Prime Minister
Here’s how politicians across the UK reacted to the news:
Jeremy Corbyn – Labour leader
“Theresa May is right to resign. She’s now accepted what the country’s known for months: she can’t govern, and nor can her divided and disintegrating party.
“Whoever becomes the new Tory leader must let the people decide our country’s future, through an immediate General Election.”
Theresa May is right to resign. She's now accepted what the country's known for months: she can't govern, and nor can her divided and disintegrating party.
Whoever becomes the new Tory leader must let the people decide our country’s future, through an immediate General Election.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 24, 2019
Nicola Sturgeon – Scottish First Minister and SNP leader
“Her departure will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created. Only putting the matter back to the people can do that.
“Given current circumstances, it also feels deeply wrong for another Tory to be installed in Number 10 without a General Election.
“The prospect of an even more hardline Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no deal exit is deeply concerning.”
For Mrs Sturgeon’s full statement, click here.
Ruth Davidson – Scottish Tory leader
“The Prime Minister has always put country before party and, by announcing her resignation and setting out a plan for an orderly departure, she has shown that commitment again today.”
For Mrs Davidson’s full statement, click here.
Statement on Theresa May's announcement of resignation. pic.twitter.com/3k7LPiQ4ax
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) May 24, 2019
Boris Johnson – Tory MP
“A very dignified statement from Theresa May. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit.”
A very dignified statement from @theresa_may. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 24, 2019
Sir Vince Cable – UK Lib Dem leader
“The Prime Minister is right to recognise that her administration has reached the end of the road. Sadly her compromises through the last three years have too often been with the right-wing of her own party, rather than about bringing the country together.
“Conservative Party interest has always trumped national interest, and yet Conservative MPs continue to demand an ever more extreme Brexit policy. The best and only option remains to take Brexit back to the people. I believe the public would now choose to stop Brexit.”
The Prime Minister is right to recognise that her administration has reached the end of the road.
Sadly her compromises through the last three years have too often been with the right-wing of her own party, rather than about bringing the country together.
— Vince Cable (@vincecable) May 24, 2019
David Mundell – UK Government’s Scottish Secretary
“I am very sorry it has come to this. Nobody could have worked harder, or shown a greater sense of public duty, in delivering the result of the EU referendum than Theresa May.
“She has my utmost respect for those endeavours, in the most challenging of circumstances, as well as her unswerving commitment to the Union. As Mrs May herself acknowledges, she has, however unfairly, become an impediment to the resolution of Brexit, and was no longer being given a hearing by Parliament.
“Yesterday’s elections will surely show that delivering Brexit is now more urgent than ever, and that will fall to a new Prime Minister. It’s time to get on with the process of appointing one.”
Nigel Farage
“It is difficult not to feel for Mrs May, but politically she misjudged the mood of the country and her party. Two Tory leaders have now gone whose instincts were pro-EU. Either the party learns that lesson or it dies.”
Leo Varadkar – Taoiseach
“She is principled, honourable and deeply passionate about doing her best for her country, and her party.
“Politicians throughout the EU have admired her tenacity, her courage and her determination during what has been a difficult and challenging time.
“Theresa May strove to chart a new future for the United Kingdom. I want to wish her the very best for the future.
“I look forward to working closely with her successor.”
Arlene Foster – DUP leader and Northern Ireland First Minister
“After the general election in June 2017, we worked with the Prime Minister and her team through the confidence and supply agreement.
“Whilst at times there were differences in our approach, particularly on Brexit, we enjoyed a respectful and courteous relationship.
“Whilst we have had differences with Theresa May on Brexit I have always found the Prime Minister very courteous and pleasant to work with on a personal basis. I thank her for her public service and wish her well.
“In particular, I commend and thank the Prime Minister for her dutiful approach on national issues and her willingness to recognise Northern Ireland’s need for additional resources through confidence and supply arrangements.
“I pay tribute to her selfless service in the interests of the United Kingdom and wish her well for the future.”
Sadiq Khan – Major of London (Labour)
“I don’t agree with Theresa May on much, but I have some sympathy for her today. Her extremely difficult job was made impossible by the Brexit extremists in the Conservative Party.
“It is totally unacceptable for Britain’s future to be decided by these same people. The British people, particularly the next generation, deserve far better than this.”
Theresa May's job was made impossible by Brexit extremists in the Conservative Party. It's totally unacceptable for Britain’s future to be decided by these same people – people deserve better.
Parliament should revoke Article 50 & give the British public the final say on Brexit. pic.twitter.com/M5GohF8FG2
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 24, 2019
