Other UK opposition party leaders have been more critical. Sir Ed Davey called the election result, external “a dark, dark day for people around the globe”.
“The world’s largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.
“Fixing the UK’s broken relationship with the EU is even more urgent than before – we must strengthen trade and defence cooperation across Europe to help protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do.”
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer called Trump “a dangerous bigot, bully, and liar”.
“On this dark day, we stand in solidarity with all US citizens who fear a convicted criminal and a fascist in the White House.
“And we stand with all those around the world who dreaded this moment and must now live with its consequences, including those in Gaza and Ukraine.”
Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has repeatedly clashed with Trump, said many Londoners would feel “anxious” and “fearful” about what the outcome of the election would mean for democracy, women’s rights, the Middle East, Ukraine or tackling the climate crisis.
“The lesson of today is that progress is not inevitable. But asserting our progressive values is more important than ever.”
Lord Philip Hammond, who served as foreign secretary and chancellor during Trump’s last presidency, said: “It’s going to be deep breath time in Whitehall” as they “try to understand how this new administration is going to work”.
He also said that “the thing that will be preoccupying the Foreign Office and No 10 most is where Sir Keir Starmer is on the list of people that the President-elect will speak to over the coming hours”.