General Election 2017: Black Country and Staffordshire MPs shocked at announcement

MPs from across the Black Country and Staffordshire reacted with shock to the Prime Minister's election announcement, but most welcomed the news despite questions over Mrs May's motivations.

Both Labour and Conservative Party politicians were surprised by the PM's statement outside Number 10 Downing Street, where she revealed plans for an election on June 8.

Having repeatedly ruled out calling a snap election in the past, Mrs May said she had "reluctantly" taken the decision to go to the country after seeing other parties "playing games" with the process of preparing for Brexit negotiations.

Labour MPs said they looked forward to putting forward their policies - despite the Prime Minister's 'political manoeuvring' - while Tory MPs said the election was chance to secure the safety and security of the country.

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Labour MPs react

Labour's Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz, said: "I will be happy to put the Labour Party's policies to the electorate.

"I think the country needs a Labour Government and I will be working hard to ensure the country gets one.

"The fact this has come out of the blue isn't helpful It means some parties have had information before others.

"I think it would have been nice for the House of Commons to have been told first."

Labour's Warley MP John Spellar accused the Prime Minister of 'transparent political manoeuvring' by calling an early general election.

"This is blatant political opportunism by Theresa May and is completely at odds with what she has been saying," he said.

"She has created excuses to call an election in an attempt to take advantage of Labour's polling figures being down. I think a lot of people will see through it and vote strictly on policy.

"This comes at a time when the Government needs to be held to account for the cuts they have made.

"Theresa May has shown herself up as a shoddy politician."

Mr Spellar added that he would be 'very confident' of holding his seat in Warley.

West Bromwich West MP Adrian Bailey said he would be voting for the election, despite it being 'unnecessary' in political terms and unwanted by the public.

"The Government has a majority and only two years ago brought in fixed term parliaments for five years," he said.

"The decision also flies in the face of the Prime Minister's very recent promise not to call an early election.

"Having said that, I will be voting for the election as I firmly believe Labour policies will get public support.

"It gives us the chance to articulate our message."

Walsall North MP David Winnick would not say whether he supported the idea of an election this year, but vowed to fight for his seat if it went ahead.

He said: "The Prime Minister has repeatedly said no to an election and now she has decided otherwise. So it is obviously a surprise. She obviously thinks because she is ahead in the polls she has decided to take a gamble on the basis there is a lot of pressure on her to take advantage. But polls can be wrong. They do not always translate to votes on the day.

"One thing is certain the nightmare would be a result where the Tories have a large majority.

"You would see policies far worse than we have had so far.

"I will fight every inch of the way. I am as committed now to the same desire to advance the interests of ordinary people as I was in the first place."

Pat McFadden, the MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "The Prime Minister said time and time again that she wouldn't call an early general election. She has gone back on that not because the country needs an election now but because she thinks there is an advantage for the Conservative Party in having one at this time.

"The Conservatives will be looking for a blank cheque for whatever kind of Brexit they manage to negotiate. It will be down to Labour to argue for an outcome that is best for the country's interests and our economic prosperity.

The question locally of course will be about who is the best MP for Wolverhampton South East - who will fight for the strongest economy, the best opportunities for people and the best public services."

Dudley North MP Ian Austin said: "I grew up in Dudley, I live in the borough and I love the place.

"Being Dudley's MP is a huge privilege and I'll be asking people in Dudley to let me continue working hard for them.

"This election is about who should represent people from Dudley in Parliament. I've worked hard to stand up for folk in Dudley and I always will – whether people in Westminster like it or not.

"I'll be asking local people to support my plans to make Dudley a strong town again."

Rob Marris, the Wolverhampton South West MP, said: "I am looking forward to the General Election and getting out campaigning like I have been for the West Midlands metro mayor.

"It is surprising given that for months Theresa May has said there would be no election and because we now have fixed term elections.

"I think it is political opportunism of the worst sort. It does appear a bit cut and run to me. People will be voting for their local candidates not Jeremy Corbyn."

Tom Watson, Labour's deputy leader and MP for West Bromwich East, said: ""I welcome the fact that voters will now have a say on this Tory government.

"They have divided our country and they are not on the side of the people in West Bromwich.

"I just ask people to look at their record: More debt, the pound plummeting, living standards down, crime up the NHS in chaos and school funding cut.

"Labour has an alternative vision that will provide opportunity for all, not just the few at the top."

Emma Reynolds, Wolverhampton North East MP, said: ""This decision came as a major surprise as Theresa May has been on record saying she does not want an election before 2020.

"But I am up for the fight. I will be fighting the election on the Tories mishandling of the NHS and Brexit.

"We must leave the EU in the best way possible and the Government is not making a good go of it. It is up to us as a party to show we can be a viable alternative."

Conservative MPs react

Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP James Morris said: "This election will add stability and security to the lives of people in Halesowen &a Rowley Regis. What Britain needs now is clarity, and a Prime Minister with a strong mandate to lead us out of the European Union.

"Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats want to try and stall our exit. I am determined to ensure that the will of people here in Halesowen & Rowley Regis is fulfilled - and a General Election is a way of doing that."

Aldridge-Brownhills Conservative MP Wendy Morton said she was fully behind the call for an early general election.

"I was a little surprised but I absolutely understand Theresa May's rationale for it," she said.

"This is about the security and the future of the country and making sure we move forward to get the best we can for ourselves and future generations.

"Theresa has demonstrated what a strong leader she is, something we have seen since she became PM."

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant said: "I think this has come out of the blue but I can understand why the PM has made this announcement.

"As a former senior whip I know the current chief whip Gavin Williamson will have had a major input into the PM's decision.

"He will have said that to achieve all that she wishes to achieve she needs a proper working majority.

"While you can take nothing for granted this is what I hope she will achieve on June 8. Conservative associations throughout the region - whether currently represented by a Conservative MP or not - will have to adopt candidates.

"This is an exciting time and will also have an impact on the Mayoral elections on May 4."

Sir Bill Cash, the MP for Stone, said: ""The PM has made absolutely the right decision.

There was every sign she was going to be obstructed in the unelected House of Lords even though the referendum was authorised by both the Lords and Commons.

"As a PM she has shown a will of iron and nerves of steel. This is an historic moment with great opportunities for the UK outside the EU. This is about democracy and the choice of the people.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood, who is at home recovering from sepsis, said: "We weren't expecting an election but it is clear with the challenges ahead Theresa May wants a mandate and a bigger majority going into the nitty gritty of the Brexit negotiations later this year.

"Clearly it as far as timing goes it is difficult for me and I am still not walking particularly well but I am looking forward to getting out and talking to people in Dudley South and hoping they will put their trust in me.

"What it will come down to is a question of leadership and people in Dudley South and the country deciding between the strength of Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn whose brand of left-wing politics we though died out in the 80s."

Conservative Stourbridge MP Margot James said: "I am very much up for it. I was surprised and didn't see it coming. I can see a lot of benefits. In addition to what the Prime Minister said I have been a whip and know the difficulties of having a small majority. It means we have to dilute a lot of what we want to do - there are huge constraints.

"With something as important as Brexit I can see why she has taken this decision. She come into office and there are differences from our manifesto in 2015. It is right that we put our plan to the electorate and hopefully we will return with a bigger majority to govern."

Gavin Williamson, South Staffordshire MP and Government Chief Whip, said: "The PM has always considered the fact that she needs a mandate.

"Having talked with her time and time again over the issue I know how seriously she has taken this decision.

"She understands that there is a lot of hard work ahead in an extremely short amount of time.

"She has questioned how she can get the best for Britain and I believe she has made the right decision by calling an election."

Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling said: ""I support the Prime Minister calling the general election.

"We need to ensure that we have a clear majority to get on with the business of Brexit and deliver on the will of the people.

"A good Conservative majority will give the Prime Minister the mandate she needs to go and get a good deal from the EU, ensuring it is not frustrated by other parties blocking or watering down our post-Brexit deal."

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said: "I understand the Prime Minister's reasons it must have been a difficult decision for her to make. But she wants to have the mandate to do what's necessary in the best interests of the country.

"I know she is a very serious lady and this decision will not have been taken lightly but I fully back her.

"It is important the country has a chance to back her leadership."

Mr Lefroy was speaking from Washington, where he has been on Government business chairing the The Parliamentary Network on The World Bank and International Monetary Fund. He confirmed he would be flying back tonight for the vote in the Commons.

Leaders react

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I welcome the Prime Minister's decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

"Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

"In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron told voters "this is your chance to change the direction of your country".

The Lib Dems have consistently called for a second referendum on the final Brexit deal Mrs May achieves after negotiations with the European Union, and want to keep the UK in the European single market.

Mr Farron said: "This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.

"If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit.

"If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas welcomed an early vote at a time when "Britain is at a crossroads" and said the people should be given a say over the country's future direction.

She promised the Greens would present a "bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain".

"At this election we will stand for an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few; a Britain that's open to the world and the protection of our precious environment," Ms Lucas said.

"We will stand up to the politics of hatred and division that is scarring our communities and give people across the country a chance to vote for a better Britain."

Her co-leader, Jonathan Bartley, said the announcement of a snap election, following a string of denials there would be an early vote, revealed a "deep dishonesty at the heart of government".

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: "We welcome the opportunity to take Ukip's positive message to the country.

"However, we believe that the Prime Minister's decision to call this election is a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country.

"There is also the prospect of a slew of Tory held by-elections caused by the seeming systematic breach of electoral law at the last election, predominantly in places where Ukip were pressing the Conservatives hard.

"We are in the midst of Brexit negotiations so this election will provide a perfect opportunity for the 52% to vote for Ukip, the only party wholeheartedly committed to a clean quick and efficient Brexit."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The British people will now have the opportunity to give their verdict on this Conservative Government - a Government that has prioritised a hard Brexit which puts our economy at risk, while implementing damaging policies that are entrenching inequality.

"I will be fighting hard for every Labour vote over the coming weeks - a Labour government is in the best interests of all Londoners and the whole country."