THERESA May put the Union at the heart of her first speech as Prime Minister. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street just minutes after the Queen had asked her to take the role just vacated by David Cameron, May promised to lead a “one-nation government”.

She said: “Because not everybody knows this, but the full title of my party is the Conservative and Unionist Party. And that word, Unionist, is very important to me. It means we believe in the Union, the precious, precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. But it means something else that is just as important. It means we believe in a union not just between the nations of the United Kingdom but between all of our citizens – every one of us – whoever we are and wherever we’re from.”

May then set out a manifesto, a small insight into what the Government might try to achieve under her leadership.

It was, notably, a move to the centre ground that has been abandoned by Labour under Jeremy Corbyn. Scots Tory leader Ruth Davidson described it as “blue-collar Conservatism”.

May said: “The Government I lead will be driven not by the interests of the privileged few but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives.”

Her administration will fight “against the burning injustice” that see those born poor “die on average nine years earlier than others”.

In many ways her speech was an attempt to connect with those who had backed Brexit and felt alienated and disconnected from Westminster. May added: “If you’re black you are treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you’re white. If you’re a white working-class boy you’re less likely than anybody else in Britain to go to university. If you’re at a state school you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you’re educated privately. If you’re a woman you will earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there’s not enough help to hand. If you’re young, you will find it harder than ever before to own your own home.”

When her Government made the “big calls”, May said: “We will think not of the powerful but you. When we pass new laws, we will listen not to the mighty but to you.

“When it comes to taxes, we will prioritise not the wealthy but you. When it comes to opportunity, we won’t entrench the advantages of the fortunate few, we will do everything we can to help anybody, whatever your background, to go as far as your talents will take you.”

MAY, who was painted as a reluctant Remainer during the EU referendum campaign, finished her speech with a promise that leaving Europe would see the UK “forge a bold new positive role for ourselves in the world and we will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few but for every one of us”.

But she astonished critics yesterday when she appointed Brexit campaign leader Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary.

As May went into Downing Street, greeted by the staff, she was sent congratulations by leaders from around the world and from politicians here.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Congratulations to the new Prime Minister @theresa_may – despite our differences, I hope we can build a constructive working relationship.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan offered his “warmest congratulations” to May on becoming PM.

He said: “Theresa takes on the role at a critical time in our history and I look forward to working constructively together in the interests of London and the whole UK.

“This must urgently include delivering an EU deal that allows London’s economy to continue to prosper, the further devolution of powers to the capital to enable us to protect jobs and growth, and reassurance to EU citizens already living here that they will continue to be welcome ...’’

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson posted: “Tremendous statement of intent from @theresa_may – the Union, equality of opportunity and social justice. Blue-collar Conservatism is back.”

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron tweeted: “Congratulations @theresa_may on becoming PM. I look forward to providing the strong, unified opposition to her govt.”

The President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, tweeted a photograph of a letter to May in which he said: “I understand that you are now occupied with the important responsibility of forming a new government. I wish you every success in the task ahead.

“The outcome of the United Kingdom’s referendum has created a new situation which the United Kingdom and the European Union will have to address soon.’’

He added: “I hope that we will have a chance to meet in the near future.”

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, also issued a statement on behalf of the Government of Canada, extending his “warm congratulations to the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister, Theresa May”.