British politicians had harsh things to say about Donald Trump ahead of the US presidential election.

But now the billionaire businessman is about to become so-called 'leader of the free world', they appear to be backtracking.

Ruth Davidson

In December 2015 the leader of the Scottish Conservatives used insults inspired by Shakespeare's play Henry IV to call the tycoon a "whoreson".

But she has toned down her language somewhat following the outcome of the election.

“It’s not the result I wanted but we now have to hope that President Trump turns out to be a different man to candidate Trump," she said.

“Mr Trump tapped into the disaffection we are seeing across the world right now due to economic uncertainty. That’s not something we can ignore."

Boris Johnson

In 2015 then-London Mayor said Mr Trump was "clearly out of his mind" for proposing a Muslim ban, saying he was "playing the game of terrorists".

He continued: “When Donald Trump says there are parts of London that are ‘no go’ areas, I think he’s betraying a quite stupefying ignorance that makes him frankly unfit to hold the office of President of the United States.

“I would invite him to come and see the whole of London and take him round the city - except I wouldn’t want to expose any Londoners to any unnecessary risk of meeting Donald Trump.”

Sadiq Khan

The London Mayor told a Chicago audience in September: "I hope the best candidate wins and I hope she does win with a stomping majority."

On Wednesday he responded to the president-elect: "I hope Donald Trump will now do everything in his power to unite people and bring and bring divided communities back together. I wish him well."

Nicola Sturgeon

In December 2015 the First Minister of Scotland said: "Mr Trump's views are repugnant and they clearly do not represent the mainstream views of people across America."

Yet, when he was elected president, she said: "While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election."

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Theresa May

As Home Secretary in December 2015 Ms May said: 'I think we all agree that the comments Donald Trump made in relation to Muslims were divisive, unhelpful and wrong.'

But after his election, she greeted the property tycoon with warmth: “I would like to congratulate Donald Trump on being elected the next President of the United States, following a hard-fought campaign.

“Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.