Theresa May has led the UK political reaction to Donald Trump being elected the next President of the United States.
Republican candidate Mr Trump was elected as the 45th President overnight, comfortably defeating Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton.
President-elect Trump won the election after securing a number of key swing states including Florida, North Carolina and Ohio – the latter who picked every winner since 1960.
Prime Minister May said: “Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.
“We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was not so welcoming, describing the result as an ‘unmistakable rejection of a political establishment’.
He added: “This is a rejection of a failed economic consensus and a governing elite that has been seen not to have listened. And the public anger that has propelled Donald Trump to office has been reflected in political upheavals across the world.
“But some of Trump’s answers to the big questions facing America, and the divisive rhetoric around them, are clearly wrong.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to Twitter to congratulate President-elect Trump.
He said: “Congratulations to Donald Trump and much looking forward to working with his administration on global stability and prosperity.
“I believe passionately in the importance of the UK-US relationship and am confident we can take it forward together.”
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was subdued in her reaction.
She said: “While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election.
“We value our relationship with the United States and its people. The ties that bind Scotland and the US – of family, culture and business – are deep and longstanding and they will always endure.
Mrs Sturgeon continued: “I hope the President-elect will take the opportunity to reach out to those who felt marginalized by his campaign and make clear – in deeds as well as words – that he will be a president for everyone in modern, multicultural America.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “Liberal values of moderation, freedom, respect for the rule of law, openness and concern for one another can no longer be taken for granted. In the United States last night, those values were defeated.”
Image courtesy of UK Home Office via Flickr, with thanks
