Theresa May called a snap election on Tuesday morning, prompting quick reactions from players across the political spectrum.
Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the announcement, despite the internal divisions within the Labour party surrounding both Brexit and his leadership. He tweeted a statement:
I welcome the PM’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first pic.twitter.com/9P3X6A2Zpw
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) April 18, 2017
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron called the General Election a time to “change the direction of the company”, with the Liberal Democrat party recieving over 500 signups in the 20 minutes since May’s announcement.
This is your chance to change the direction of your country pic.twitter.com/wfj4wC7yn3
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) April 18, 2017
Ex-Conservative party leader and Prime Minister David Cameron weighed in immediately, calling May ‘brave’ for taking the decision.
Brave – and right – decision by PM @Theresa_May. My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates. @Conservatives
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 18, 2017
Nigel Farage has yet to give his opinion, with his latest tweet showing the fun he had on holiday this weekend…
Had a great time catching Bluefin Tuna in the Adriatic Sea this weekend. pic.twitter.com/POyJBBg2rp
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) April 18, 2017
Many called into question May’s decision, highlighting the promise she made on ascending to the Prime Ministerial position.
Who says Mother Theresa isn’t a woman of her word? #GeneralElection pic.twitter.com/rw59LQsPAq
— Joel Willans (@Joelwillans) April 18, 2017
The Green Party also welcomed the decision.
We welcome this announcement of an early General Election. Join us to fight for a future to be proud of. https://t.co/N7IGRtbLK6
— Green Party (@TheGreenParty) April 18, 2017