Theresa May Calls For Early Election In UK
Theresa May, British Prime Minister[/caption]
British Prime Minister, Theresa May, on Tuesday called for an early election in the United Kingdom, saying she needed stability and strong leadership as Britain negotiates its way out of the European Union.
Standing outside her Downing Street office, May, 60, who succeeded David Cameron as prime minister on 11 July 2016, said she was seeking a vote on June 8, less than halfway through the government’s five-year term.
A general election would end the attempts of opposition parties and members of the House of Lords to thwart her Brexit plans, she said. “If we do not hold a general election now, their political game playing will continue,” she told reporters.
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She said she would introduce legislation on Wednesday to pave the way for the early election. Under current legislation, the next election was not scheduled to take place until 2020.
“I have just chaired a meeting of the cabinet where we agreed that the government should call a General Election to be held on the 8th of June,” May said.
“It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.
“Every vote for the Conservatives will make it harder for opposition politicians who want to stop me from getting the job done.”
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The pound strengthened by almost half a cent against the dollar as May spoke, reflecting investor relief that earlier rumours of a shock resignation did not transpire.
May’s Conservatives are currently far ahead of Labour Party – the main opposition, according to opinion polls.
Britain now joins a list of western European countries scheduled to hold elections this year. Votes in France in April and May and in Germany in September.
