May calls general election on 8 June

British PM Theresa May has announced a general election to be held on 8 June, two years ahead of the scheduled date in 2020.

In a surprise announcement in Downing Street at 11:15 today, May said that an election was needed to secure strong leadership to push through Brexit negotiations.

Identifying Westminster forces that are seeking to undermine Brexit, May said that the Liberals, Labour and the Lords were fighting Conservative plans every step of the way, weakening the governments negotiating hand in Brussels.

An increased majority for the Conservatives would give May the mandate she needs to take the government’s Brexit plans forward and silence her Westminster critics.

YouGov voting intentions survey puts the Conservatives at 42 percent and Labour at 23; given recent election surprises however, the snap call is not without risk.