24 York reactions to Theresa May’s plan for a snap General Election

She said she wouldn’t do it. But then Theresa May is a politician so previous promises don’t count for much.

Today (April 18) the Prime Minister announced that she wants to hold a snap general election on June 8 – three years earlier than scheduled.

That can only happen if MPs vote for an early election by a two thirds majority. The vote has been called for Wednesday.

Current position

If it goes ahead, York voters will be asked to elect two MPs. One for York Central, currently held by Labour’s Rachael Maskell, and one for York Outer, represented by Conservative Julian Sturdy.

Here are the results for the 2015 election.

The reaction on Twitter

Here’s some early responses to the May announcement.

I go off Twitter for 2 hours to do some work, come back to hear we've got another general election pic.twitter.com/HIOlv760hd

— Deanna (@fragments_lxght) April 18, 2017

Birthday presents received today: hat, t-shirt, book, game, cake, £20, whisky and suprise general election.

— Adele Taylor (@Adele_Pthagonal) April 18, 2017

So…. In April, May calls election in June….. What could possibly go wrong?

— Col ??✏️ (@Markable) April 18, 2017

Who calls an election straight after jazz fest, further proof that May is the anti-christ

— Nick Scott (@nick__47) April 18, 2017

@theresa_may showing strong leadership calling for a general election.We need to get the best from Brexit.

— Keith Myers (@CllrKeithMyers) April 18, 2017

I'll be first in the queue to see the back of the disastrous Government.I've been ready since May 2015 but the PM promised it would be 2020!

— Rachael Maskell MP (@RachaelMaskell) April 18, 2017

A warm welcome to over 20 York residents who have joined us following Theresa May's announcement #LibDemFightbackhttps://t.co/CQFdFJ9w4j

— York Lib Dems (@yorklibdems) April 18, 2017

This shows what a sham politics are in the UK, where too many votes simply don't count https://t.co/h3WWd1CeRj

— York Green Party (@YorkGreens) April 18, 2017

Applaud @theresa_may #Conservative govt calling #GeneralElection in interest of stability versus divisive opposition damaging #UK prospects

— Paul Doughty (@PaulDoughty1) April 18, 2017

Come rain or shine, let's stand up for those in need. The poor, hungry and vulnerable deserve better. #VoteLabour pic.twitter.com/qpYQCx73eY

— Kerron Cross (@KerronCross) April 18, 2017

#York needs a strong local voice who is #proud of this great city @YorkTories @Conservatives #GE2017

— Jules Moody (@j30moo) April 18, 2017

I will fight 4 @UKLabour on June 8th. Likely toughest campaign I've ever fought but thought of mandate 4 right-wing hard Brexit is terrible

— Daf Williams (@DafWilliams78) April 18, 2017

Labour is finally united in welcoming the election. Half think they'll win, the other half think it will get rid of Corbyn by 9th June.

— David Nobbs (@Yellowyorkie) April 18, 2017

Gosh do we need an effective opposition. How is it okay for T.May to do such a big u-turn on snap election? To say one thing and do another?

— Mark Willis (@MindfulMarkW) April 18, 2017

And it cannot be a coincidence that the CPS announcement into the 24 Tory MPs who broke election rules is due out the day after the election https://t.co/W3xgq2Uupb

— Randall Northam (@RandallNortham) April 18, 2017

Have you heard the really important election news?
That's right: we're electing our 2018 team tomorrow! 😉 https://t.co/3plLYmyJAW

— York LGBT History (@yorklgbthistory) April 18, 2017

A snap election should be a giant all part game of snap, last party standing wins, because let's face it, we are all fucked anyhow!

— Marc Foster (@dudefozz) April 18, 2017

Here we go, a general election is called and suddenly everyone is a bloody political expert!

— sammi parker (@sammijayne01) April 18, 2017

This election would be a lot less terrifying if I had any kind of investment in any of the parties. Have absolutely no idea who to vote for.

— Paul Stephenson (@PRSBooks) April 18, 2017

Ok, @UKLabour

Promise to withdraw #Article50 due to the lies of the #Leave campaign & Tory implementation.

Win the election.#votelabour

— Alex Willmott ❄️ (@Alexinboxes) April 18, 2017

If Brown had capitalised on the Brown Bounce he'd have won a snap election but he bottled it. May hasn't but she's gone back on her word.

— Alison Hume (@spartiscribe) April 18, 2017

Corbyn’s statement about the general election doesn’t mention Brexit ?? https://t.co/WJcFaNgy2x

— Andy Callaghan (@AndyCallaghan) April 18, 2017

I'm going to be nagging folks until the election to do this. Register to vote, make your voice heard.

(you may want to mute be 'til then!) https://t.co/cIIB9Fwv4p

— Kev Johnson (@kev_johnson) April 18, 2017

@BBCOne Ok we now know that there is a General Election can we have Bargain Hunt on please??

— Paul Coull (@Coullio) April 18, 2017