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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 ›

MPs overwhelming vote for June 8 General Election

MPs have overwhelmingly endorsed Prime Minister Theresa May's call for an early General Election on Thursday June 8.

The 509 majority vote on Mrs May's motion for an early poll was announced in the House of Commons after a swift vote of MPs.

522
Votes in favour of PM's motion for early election.
13
Votes against PM's motion for early election.

The vote followed a Commons debate on the prime minister's vote in which her justifications for going to the nation was criticised by the opposition.

Labour rejected her claim that the election was needed to strengthen the government going into Brexit negotiations while the Lib Dems accused Mrs May of seeking a "coronation".

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General Election: Party leaders hit the campaign trail

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