Reaction is coming in to the news that there will be a General Election on 4 July.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the election this evening.
Here’s what people in our area are saying. We will keep updating this as more comes in.
Labour’s York Central MP Rachael Maskell said: “After 14 years of successive Conservatives Governments failing people across the country, an election could not come soon enough. Labour is ready to put right our NHS, rebuild our communities with the houses we need, and tackle the climate crisis while taking a lead on the global stage.
“In calling for a General Election in the midst of a cost of living crisis, we know the heavy responsibility that sits with us to stabilise the economy while providing the opportunities a developed country should look forward to.
“It is ironic that the Prime Minister is calling a General Election on the day when police are being told not to arrest criminals and to release them from jail early.
“The break down in law and order is symbolic of the break down of our country. I now look forward to being out in York, talking to my constituents, and seeing two Labour MPs elected to represent our city.”
Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates for York Outer and York Central, Andrew Hollyer and Alan Page, have welcomed the news.
York Outer candidate, Andrew Hollyer said: “We are happy that this awful Conservative Government has decided to call a General Election and has given people the opportunity to kick them out of office.
“In the last set of local elections, the Liberal Democrats won the most votes and 18 of the 23 seats in York Outer. The Liberal Democrats can win York Outer and get a hard-working local campaigner who is best able to represent voters’ views in Parliament.
“We have been working hard all year round talking to voters about the sewage in our rivers, lack of availability of GP and Dentist appointments and the cost-of-living crisis. We look forward to putting a positive message to voters that York deserves better than this Conservative Government.”
York Central candidate Alan Page said: “Only a vote for the Liberal Democrats in York Central will get York residents a hard-working local MP fighting for a fairer, more prosperous York.
“The Labour Party has taken York for granted for years and their unfunded pledges on freezing council tax and free school meals for all primary school children quickly unravelled following the last local election. Nationally the Labour Party continues to show a lack of ambition and leadership.
“York’s residents deserve better.”
Luke Charters, Labour parliamentary candidate for York Outer, said: “Labour presents an opportunity to stop Conservative chaos and improve living standards for the people of York Outer.
“We’ve been campaigning hard for weeks now and I’ve had thousands of doorstep conversations across York Outer. We are consistently hearing how people are fed up with this Conservative government that is out of energy and ideas.
“The recent mayoral election, as well as past general election voting patterns, clearly show that only Labour can win in York Outer against the Conservatives.
“I plan to meet as many constituents as possible and explain face-to-face Labour’s plans to get the country back on track. It’s time for change. Only Labour can bring that for the people of York Outer.”
And Keir Mather, recently elected Labour MP for Selby and Ainsty said this:
Green candidate for York Central Lars Kramm said: “The general election announcement opens the door for voters to turn the page on Conservative mismanagement and make a positive choice for the future.
“The Green Party is ready to present our bold vision for change, a plan that leaps beyond Labour’s lack of vision.”
Green’s York Outer candidate Michael Kearney has said: “We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.”
Former, and possibly future, candidate Dr Scott Marmion had this simple reaction tonight: “Goodbye Mr Sturdy”
Dr Marmion was removed from his post as deputy chairman of the York Conservatives in 2018 and after that advocated independent candidates.