Theresa May announces snap General Election for June 8

Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, introduced under the last coaltion government, the next election was not due until 2020.

However, a poll can be called before then if backed by two thirds of MPs or if there is a no confidence vote in the Government.

Mrs May made the announcment during a speech outside 10 Downing Street this morning (Tuesday) and will table a motion in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

She called on MPs to back the motion.