Theresa May resigns: Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab among leadership rivals paying tribute to Prime Minister after resignation speech

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Tory leadership contenders paid tribute to Theresa May today as the jockeying for position to succeed her was well under way.

Within minutes of the Prime Minister’s tearful resignation speech, senior MPs took to Twitter to praise her.

“A very dignified statement from @theresa-may,” messaged former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, the bookmakers’ favourite to replace her.

He told of Mrs May’s “stoical service” to the country and the Conservative Party, adding: “It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit.”

The former mayor of London, 54, has already confirmed he will stand for leader, telling a business event “of course I’m going to go for it”.

Theresa May burst into tears as she ended her speech
Jeremy Selwyn

Rival Brexiteer leadership hopeful Dominic Raab was quick to praise Mrs May’s “dignity”. He said: “She remains a dedicated public servant, patriot and loyal Conservative.” Mr Raab, 45, quit as Brexit Secretary over Mrs May’s proposed “divorce” deal from the EU.

Several other possible contenders, who like Mr Raab have yet to confirm they will stand for the leadership, issued warm testimonies.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: “Delivering Brexit was always going to be a huge task, but one she met every day with courage & resolve... A true public servant.”

Mr Hunt, 52, identifies as a One Nation Tory, campaigned for Remain in 2016 and would be a moderate candidate on Brexit in the leadership election.

Sajid Javid said: “Nobody could have worked harder or had a greater sense of public duty than the Prime Minister.Her dedication in taking our country forward has been monumental. She has served her country with fortitude and we are grateful to her for it.”

The Home Secretary, 49, is a bus driver’s son who went to a comprehensive school. His tough policies on combating Islamic State have boosted his position among some colleagues.

Michael Gove, 51, tweeted: “A moving speech from a Prime Minister who deserves our respect and gratitude.”

The Environment Secretary won support from MPs after staying loyal even in the final days of the May regime.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, 40, who is seen as a dark horse, tweeted: “Incredibly moving and dignified speech from the Prime Minister. She has given all in service of her country.”

Mr Hancock has said the new leader should be “in the centre ground”.

International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, 46, said: “The Prime Minister has been an immensely dignified public servant — it has been a great honour to work with her and for her.”

One of the few to have already said he wants to succeed Mrs May, he took over from Penny Mordaunt, also 46, who moved to defence, and is another potential contender.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, 55, has said she is “keeping the door slightly ajar” to the possibility of running.

Today, she said Mrs May “has shown great courage. She is a public servant who did all she could to bring Brexit to a resolution.”

Andrea Leadsom, who quit as Commons leader on Wednesday, said Mrs May’s speech showed her “total commitment”, adding: “She did her utmost, and I wish her all the very best.”

Ms Leadsom, 56, has previously revealed that she was “seriously considering” running for the leadership.

Treasury minister Liz Truss, 43, said Mrs May had “put her all into the job”. She has used social media to hint at a possible leadership bid. Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, 51, has already declared as a “Blue Collar” Conservative candidate.

The name of Sir Graham Brady, 52, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs who met Mrs May today, was not on a joint statement from Tory chiefs setting out the leadership process, sparking speculation that he will also throw his name into the hat.

Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis said a new leader will likely be announced in late July before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

Others who commented on Mrs May's announcement included Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, who said she showed “tremendous dignity”.

He then posted a more succinct take and added: “I hope there’s a most enormous gin awaiting the PM.”

European Research Group chairman Jacob Rees-Mogg, who led the previous unsuccessful bid to oust Mrs May earlier this year, said: "'An unquestionably dutiful person left with dignity and the Conservatives must now get on and deliver Brexit."

The Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Gavin Barwell tweeted: "As the PM's Chief of Staff for the last two years, I have seen at first hand her commitment to public service and her incredible resilience as she has confronted the biggest challenge any British Government has faced since the Second World War. It has been an honour to serve her."

MP Nick Boles tweeted: "I have many friends in the Tory Party but I'm afraid the party has nothing to offer the country now. A new leader will not end the division, break the grip of ideology or be more in touch with people's everyday concerns. The country needs something new."

Mr Boles resigned the Conservative whip in April, accusing the party of failing to compromise on Brexit.

Former PM David Cameron said: "Theresa is right that compromise is not a dirty word and she should be thanked for her tireless efforts on behalf of the country.

"I know how painful it is to accept that your time is up and a new leader is required. She has made the right decision - and I hope that the spirit of compromise is continued."

In Scotland, the secretary of state David Mundell said he was "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," he tweeted.

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: "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.

"Theresa May knew when she took on the job of Prime minister that the challenges facing our country were unprecedented."

While the country’s first minister, SNP politician Nicola Sturgeon whom Mrs May has clashed with frequently over Brexit, said “leadership is tough”.

“I wish Theresa May well. She and I had profound disagreements - not least on her handling of Brexit and her disregard for Scotland’s interests. However, leadership is tough - especially in these times - and she deserves thanks for her service,” she tweeted.

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