MPs have this afternoon (Wednesday) voted overwhelmingly in favour of a snap General Election, meaning the country will go to the polls on June 8.
Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose, Wells MP James Heappey and North Somerset MP Dr Liam Fox were among the 522 Parliamentarians to vote in favour of Prime Minister Theresa May’s call for an election.
Just 13 MPs rejected the motion, including nine from Labour.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) recommended its members abstained from the vote.
Mrs May told the House of Commons: “We are determined to bring stability to the United Kingdom for the long term and that’s what this election will be about – leadership and stability.
“The decision facing the country will be clear. I will be campaigning for strong and stable leadership in the national interest with me as Prime Minister and I will be asking for the public’s support to continue to deliver my plan for a stronger Britain, to lead the country for the next five years and to give the certainty and stability that we need.”
Parties are now confirming their candidates for June’s election, but Dr Fox and Mr Penrose will both be seeking re-election for the Conservative Party.