Lincolnshire MPs react to PM’s call for general election on June 8

Lincolnshire MPs have been reacting to the news that Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call a snap general election for June 8.

The surprise announcement was made by the prime minister outside Downing Street on April 18.

Theresa May has repeatedly made clear in the past her desire to not hold a general election before 2020.

However, she claimed that opposition parties in Westminster were putting Brexit at risk of jeopardy.

She said: “We need a general election and we need one now.

“I have only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion but now I have concluded it is the only way to guarantee certainty for the years ahead.”

Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act introduced by her predecessor David Cameron, the PM is unable call an election directly, but she said she would lay down a motion in the House of Commons that would require two thirds of MPs to back it.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said that he welcomes the snap election.

Sir Edward Leigh – Gainsborough

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity to go back to my constituents and seek a mandate to deliver the PM’s vision for Brexit.

“I look forward to getting out and about in the constituency and securing my reelection.”

Martin Vickers – Cleethorpes

“I fully support the PM’s decision. A convincing Conservative victory will strengthen our hand in the Brexit negotiations.

“The election will also be a vote of confidence in the government’s handling of the economy – an area of policy that the Labour Party have no realistic, coherent alternatives and a woeful record of failure still fresh in the minds of voters.

“Also when people look at the party leaders Theresa May stands head and shoulders above Jeremy Corbyn.”

Matt Warman – Boston and Skegness

“I support the call for the general election and the opportunity to give the prime minister the ringing endorsement she richly deserves.

“What we need to do is deliver a strong, stable Conservative government led by Theresa May, which will enable us to have the best possible government for the Brexit process and the best government as a whole for the country.”

Grantham and Stamford – Nick Boles

“I fully support Theresa May’s decision to hold an election, and I think that it is right to secure that mandate from the country as we head in to the Brexit negotiations.

“On a personal level I will be talking over the coming days to family and colleagues to make a decision, which I will announce in due course.”

Karl McCartney – Lincoln

“I am delighted that the prime minister has shown strong leadership in calling a general election in June this year.

“It gives the people of the city of Lincoln the opportunity to choose a Conservative government that will deliver a successful Brexit, continue with improving the quality of life for everyone in Lincoln and continue with its investment plans for our city and county – just has it has done since I was first elected in 2010.

“The choice is clear – between a Conservative government and Member of Parliament that wants people, businesses and organisations in the city of Lincoln to succeed, and a Labour Party who have repeatedly said they will do all they can to frustrate Brexit and put jobs and livelihoods at risk, both locally and across our country.”

Melanie Onn – Great Grimsby

“I will be standing to continue as Member of Parliament for my hometown, Great Grimsby.

“It has been a privilege to represent the town I was born and raised in, and I have spent the last two years standing up for Great Grimsby in Westminster, putting the town back on the map and making sure that people listen to us again.

“Whether it’s meant working with the prime minister to protect local jobs, speaking up for the fishing and renewables industry, or fighting against the Conservative government’s cuts to schools and hospitals, I have always made Great Grimsby’s voice heard in Parliament.

“Theresa May has said since becoming Prime Minister that calling an election in the middle of the Brexit negotiations would be a distraction from getting the best deal for Britain, putting her party before the country.

“Calling this election now shows that she cannot rely on her own party to back her on the key issues.

“I am standing again to ensure that we get the best Brexit deal for Grimsby. I accepted the result of the referendum, heard what people in Grimsby were saying during the campaign, and voted in parliament to trigger Article 50.

“My focus since June 23 has been to protect workers’ rights from the right-wing Tories who want to see them cut; secure local jobs which rely on market access to Europe; and holding the government to the promises they made to the NHS and fishing industry during last year’s campaign.

“I am hopeful the voters of Great Grimsby will choose me on their ballot papers again and allow me to continue standing up for Great Grimsby in Parliament.”

Caroline Johnson – Sleaford and North Hykeham

“We need this election now to secure the strong leadership that this country needs to see us through the Brexit process, and beyond.

“The division in Westminster caused by the other parties, coupled with the government’s small majority, risks weakening our hand in our negotiations with Europe.

“This election gives us the opportunity to bring stability and certainty for a full five years. The choice is a stark one – the strong and competent leadership of Theresa May, or the weak and unstable Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn.

“I am looking forward to getting back out on the doorsteps to continue my conversation with local people about what they want to see from Brexit and from a government working in their interests.”