Theresa May has made a shock announcement to hold a general election in just under two months time on June 8.

In a statement made outside 10 Downing Street in Westminster on Tuesday April 18 , the Prime Minister said a general election is in the national interest.

Speaking this morning, Mrs May said: “We want a deep and special partnership between a strong and successful European Union and a United Kingdom that is free to chart its own way in the world.

“That means we will regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world.

Prime Minister Theresa May made the statement to the nation in Downing Street on April 18

“This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest.

"But the other political parties oppose it."

Mrs May said she would be taking a motion to the House of Commons tomorrow (April 19).

The last general election was held on Thursday May 7 2015, with the next one due to be held five years later in 2020.

With most of the country left in shock over the news, getwestlondon headed out onto Hounslow High Street to hear the public reaction to the news.

Aircraft technician, Bob Dawson, 63 said: "I think it's a smart move on her behalf, I think the Labour party are backs against the walls at the moment, and I think she's done a clever thing."

63-year-old, Linda Dawson agreed, saying: "I totally agree, I think it's a very good move for her and the Tory Party, because they know they will probably get a landslide victory at this particular time."

Retired GP, 62-Year-old Dr Srivatsa on the other hand, said: "I was surprised.

"I think she is chickening out really, you know, she doesn't want to take the decision about this Brexit, she is getting cold feet."

Whilst retired, 71-year-old, Danny O'Shaugnessy said: "It's a good idea, it should probably unite the country a bit, but I do hope she's beaten."

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now!