Donald Trump told Theresa May she could become this generation’s Winston Churchill, The Telegraph can reveal.

The US president made the comparison with Britain’s wartime leader during a phone call between the pair on December 19 last year.

Mr Trump explained how he had watched Darkest Hour, starring Gary Oldman as Churchill, and recommended Mrs May see the film.

“You could be this generation’s Churchill”, Mr Trump added, or words to that effect, according to three sources familiar with the call.

Figures both in the White House and Downing Street confirmed the remarks. The Prime Minister’s reaction is unknown.

One source said the comment came after Mrs May noted Churchill had been voted the greatest Briton ever - an apparent reference to a 2002 BBC poll.