Theresa May Calls for Elections in June amid Brexit Fallout
Local Editor
British Prime Minister Theresa May called Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying she needed a fresh mandate to move ahead with Britain's planned break from the European Union.
"I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I have to make," she said.
The move comes amid political strains over Brexit and moves by Scotland to possible carve its own independent path to remain in the European Union.
Last month, Britain submitted its formal request to begin EU exit negotiations.
Theresa May became prime minister in July last year, shortly after the referendum that set in motion Britain's EU divorce and prompted the resignation of her predecessor, David Cameron.
If her Conservative party wins the snap elections, she will have the mandate to pursue her own agenda as she heads into negotiations as Britain exits the European Union - not the one set out by her predecessor Cameron.
But a loss would throw deep uncertainly into the complex talks ahead between Britain and the other 27 EU members, and reflect important shifts in the British sentiment since last year's referendum.
Polls show that the Conservative party has strong lead over the opposition Labor party of more than 20 points. But the announcement still caught some off guard because Downing Street as repeatedly denied that May would seek an early election. The next one was scheduled for 2020.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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