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General Election: Party leaders hit the campaign trail

Party leaders are hitting the campaign since MPs backed holding a General Election on June 8.

Here are the latest updates:

  • Prime Minister Theresa May called for a snap General Election in a surprise announcement on Tuesday
  • MPs backed the poll on Wednesday by 522 votes to 13
  • Ahead of the vote, George Osborne stepped down as an MP
  • Within hours, Mrs May and Mr Corbyn had addressed supporters, setting out their visions for the country
  • The PM has ruled out taking part in any TV election debates but may appear in a televised Q&A
  • Mrs May's press secretary and director of communications have already stepped down
  • Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he would not stand as an MP as he believes he is better placed to ensure a hard Brexit in Brussels
View all 36 updates ›

Corbyn hits back at low opinion poll ratings with 'mic drop'

Jeremy Corbyn has hit back at claims he has little chance of becoming prime minister, saying he overcame 200-1 odds on being Labour leader.

ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener questioned Mr Corbyn on his response to poor opinion poll ratings at the outset of a campaign he insists his party can win.

"You very helpfully mentioned the opinion polls, and I'm really grateful to you for that," Mr Corbyn replied, prompting laughter among his supporters.

"All I can say is, in 2015 almost exactly two years ago I was given 200-1 as an outside chance," he added before leaving the stage to cheers.

Taking his place at the podium, Labour MP Dawn Butler told the crowd: "I think that's what my young people in Brent would call a mic drop!"

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General Election: Party leaders hit the campaign trail

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