Theresa May announced today that the UK will hold a General Election this summer.
In a surprise statement at 11:15am this morning, the Prime Minister confirmed that there will be an election on June 8 2017 following a vote in the House of Commons.
The Prime Minister can call an election if two-thirds of lawmakers vote for it, under Britain’s Fixed-Term Parliaments Act.
Standing outside Number 10, there was much speculation as to the nature of the announcement, given that statements from outside Downing Street are reserved for only the most serious topics.
The purpose of the election, May said, is to give Britain the "strong and stable leadership it deserves" following the decision to leave the European Union.
The Prime Minister had previously stated that she would not call a snap General Election.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
