Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said: “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.”

Ex-prime minister David Cameron said: “I know how painful it is to accept that your time is up and a new leader is required.”

DUP leader Arlene Foster said they differed on Brexit, but “enjoyed a respectful and courteous relationship”.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said Mrs May “deserves our respect and gratitude” and ex-Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said: “She did her utmost, and I wish her all the very best.”

Leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg said Mrs May left “with dignity”, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt called her a “true public servant”, while Home Secretary Sajid Javid said she had “served her country with fortitude”.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock praised the “incredibly moving and dignified” speech and ex-Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said she “showed her integrity”.

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said Mrs May had “always put country before party”, Chancellor Philip Hammond hailed her “great dignity and commitment” and Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she had “shown great courage”.

In Brussels, EC president Jean-Claude Juncker “followed Prime Minister May’s announcement this morning without personal joy” and chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier expressed “full respect”.

Irish PM Leo Varadkar called her “principled, honourable and deeply passionate” about doing her best for the country and for the party.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “She has now accepted what the country has known for months – she can’t govern, and nor can her divided and disintegrating party.”

And Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said Mrs May was right to realise “her administration has reached the end of the road”.

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