Key political figures have reacted to the news that Theresa May is set to stand down as Prime Minister.

In an emotional statement to the press in Downing Street, Mrs May announced she will step down as Conservative leader on Friday 7 June. 

READ MORE: Politics Live: Theresa May says she will quit as Tory leader on 7 June

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led the reaction on Twitter. She wrote: "1. 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.

"2. 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."

Ms Sturgeon added: "3. The prospect of an even more hardline Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no deal exit is deeply concerning. Added to the experience of the past three years, it is makes it all the more important that Scotland is given the choice of becoming an independent country."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also took to Twitter following the news of Theresa May's resignation.

He said: "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."

Former prime minister David Cameron also paid tribute to Mrs May. In a statement posted on Twitter, he said: "Strong and brave speech by a Prime Minister driven by duty and service. 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."

Scottish Secretary David Mundell wrote on Twitter: "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."

The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said in a tweet: "So the long awaited departure of a Prime Minister is now official.

READ MORE: Theresa May resigns as Prime Minister

"Whilst wishing @theresa_may all the best for the future we all pay a price for the chaos of her stewardship, the Brexit crisis and a PM that failed to respect our Scottish Government. There is another way. Indy."

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd wrote on Twitter: "The Prime Minister has shown great courage. "She is a public servant who did all she could to bring Brexit to a resolution. Her sense of duty is something everyone should admire and aspire to."

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard commented: "We don’t just need Theresa May out, we need the Tory government evicted from Downing Street.

"Labour is ready to govern and we will transform our country so it works for the many, not the few."

Former Tory MP Anna Soubry said: "“Compromise” came too late and in any event it applied to everyone else but her. Very sad."

SNP MP for Livingston Hannah Bardell tweeted: "1/2 Theresa May has had a very difficult time in office, she was left a a royal mess by David Cameron who swanned off like a total coward.

"She’s made a whole string of disastrous and damaging decisions and could have done a much better job of the Brexit negotiations.

"2/2 However, she’s a human being & I can’t even imagine what all this has been like on a personal level. The range of choices to replace her are pretty terrifying. May leaving isn’t going to make things any better. The U.K. is in one royal mess. Scotland, we need #Independence."

Foreign Secretary tweeted: "I want to pay tribute to the PM today. Delivering Brexit was always going to be a huge task, but one she met every day with courage & resolve. NHS will have an extra £20bn thanks to her support, and she leaves the country safer and more secure. A true public servant."

Liam Fox added: ".@theresa_may has acted with dignity and honour in pursuit of what she believes to be in the national interest, the hallmark of her time in public life."