Theresa May should drop everything to become the first world leader to congratulate president-elect Donald Trump in person - says the South East's representative in Europe.

Janice Atkinson, former UKIP MEP and party leadership contender, says the Conservatives have snubbed the billionaire businessman and the prime minister should make urgent efforts to re-affirm the UK's special relationship with the USA.

Ms Atkinson celebrated the property mogul's shock win at Trump Tower last night. She said: "Where were the British Conservatives, traditional allies of the Republican Party? Has politics become so politically correct now that past strong ties no longer matter?

The 54-year-old added: "I hope President Trump doesn't remember this snub when we want to be at the front of the free trade agreement queue."

"I think Mrs May needs to cancel all appointments and head to the US to be the first world leader to congratulate Mr Trump in person and re-affirm our special relationship."

Hopes the election of the Republican candidate could usher in warmer US-UK relations have been dampened by the news in the 24 hours after his election win, Mr Trump has contacted nine world leaders without Theresa May getting a call.

According to various outlets, these include Egypt, Turkey, Australia, South Korea, as well as the UK's neighbour, Ireland.

Downing Street has since confirmed Mr Trump has extended an invitation to visit Washington in a call this afternoon in which both leaders emphasised the importance of maintaining strong links.

Ms Atkinson was expelled from UKIP in 2015 after her aide implicated her in a scam her former aide implicated her in a scam to inflate the price of an official dinner from £950 to £3,000.

She denies any involvement in the incident and her aide Christine Hewitt was convicted of fraud.