Theresa May kept a longstanding dinner date with the Chief Rabbi on the day before becoming Prime Minister, it has emerged.

Mrs May and her husband,Philip,were guests at Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis's north-west London home this evening.

The JC understands the occasion was a private dinner arranged some weeks ago.

A number of other guests were also present.

Mrs May broke off from choosing her cabinet to attend the dinner in what the Chief Rabbi said was an extraordinary gesture to the Jewish community.

He said: "The fact that she did this in the midst of critically important preparations before taking up office is a reflection of her strong desire to keep to her commitments and the esteem in which she holds the British Jewish community. I was delighted to have the opportunity to give her my blessings at this very auspicious time."

In a statement following the dinner, Rabbi Mirvis paid tribute to Mrs May, who was becoming Prime Minister "at a time of great political, social and economic uncertainty".

He added: "Few people are more talented or better qualified to tackle these immense challenges. I recall the speed and the sensitivity with which she reached out to the Jewish community following the terror attacks on Jewish targets in Europe last year. As she made clear then - 'Without its Jews, Britain would not be Britain'.

"She has proved herself to be a friend and champion of our community and of other faith communities who share her values of tolerance and understanding. I wish her every success as Prime Minister and look forward to building upon our warm relationship over the coming years”.

The Chief Rabbi also thanked David Cameron "for his deep friendship and for his unwavering commitment to promoting the values of decency, respect, liberty and responsibility, which we all hold so dear."

He said he had been privileged "to have worked alongside Mr Cameron to ensure that Britain remembers the Holocaust and educates generations to come about the lessons we must learn from it.

"He is a man who not only speaks with great principle and conviction but who acts upon what he believes. I know that the strong relationship he enjoys with the Jewish community will endure for many years to come."