NICOLA Sturgeon has said Theresa May's departure "will not solve the Brexit mess" and that it is crucial "Scotland is given the choice of becoming an independent country".

The First Minister also said it would be "deeply wrong" to hold a Tory leadership contest without a General Election

In a speech outside Downing Street, the Prime Minister said she will resign on June 7.

Sources believe the Tory leadership contest is likely to start on June 10 after US President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain. It is expected to last six weeks.

Sturgeon said: "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."

But she added that May's resignation "will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created" and backed a People's Vote and a General Election.