Brexit news latest: Jean-Claude Juncker hails Theresa May as a 'woman of courage' as Europe reacts to her resignation

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has hailed Theresa May as a “woman of courage” after she announced she will stand down as Prime Minister.

Mrs May today announced she will resign formally as Conservative leader on June 7 and leave as Prime Minister when her successor is chosen.

Hours after her emotional announcement, Mr Juncker’s deputy chief spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said the president “very much liked and appreciated working with Prime Minister May".

She added: “He has said before Theresa May is a woman of courage for whom he has great respect.

“He will equally respect and establish working relations with any new prime minister, whomever they may be, without stopping his conversations with Prime Minister May.”

On whether he changed his stance on backing the withdrawal agreement, she added: “There is no change to that.

"The European Commission and the Article 50 format has set out its position and we remain available for anyone who will be the new prime minister."

The comments came as the EU Commission’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier spoke of his “full respect” for Mrs May and her efforts in the Brexit process since the referendum.

He said: “I would like to express my full respect for Theresa May and for her determination as Prime Minister in working towards the UK’s orderly withdrawal from the EU.”

Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, added: "Respect to Theresa May who fought for a stable solution and a viable deal.

"We hope once more for a constructive approach from our British partners. I appeal to the UK's sense of responsibility and leadership in these times of great uncertainty Brexit."

A spokeswoman for Emmanuel Macron said the French president had sent Mrs May a message of support following her resignation.

The spokeswoman said: "She has led a courageous effort to make Brexit happen. She worked towards Brexit in the interests of her country and in respect of her European partners.

"The president has sent her a personal message of support and thanks."

She added: "It is now the work of the United Kingdom, following its procedures, to appoint a new prime minister. France holds itself ready to work together with the new British prime minister on bilateral and European issues. Our relationship with the United Kingdom is essential in all areas. It is too early to speculate on the consequences of this decision.

"It must also be remembered in this moment of important choice, that votes to reject [the Brexit deal] without an alternative will lead to an impasse."

A tearful Mrs May today said the role of prime minister had been the “honour of my life to hold” as she set out the timetable for her exit in a statement in Downing Street.

With her husband Philip and her closest aides watching on, Mrs May said it was in the "best interests of the country" for a new prime minister to lead efforts to deliver Brexit.

Her voice cracked as she said: "I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold - the second female Prime Minister but certainly not the last.

"I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love."

Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis said he expected a new leader would be announced in late July, before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

Mrs May's decision to finally name the date for her resignation came after a bitter backlash against her last effort to get a Brexit deal through Parliament.

A Cabinet mutiny and the prospect of the backbench 1922 Committee allowing another motion of confidence in her leadership eventually forced the Prime Minister's hand.

Her announcement came following a meeting with Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee. She insisted she had "done my best" to deliver Brexit and take the UK out of the European Union.

But almost three years after the UK voted to break away from Brussels, Mrs May said: "It is, and will always remain, a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit.

"It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum."