BASINGSTOKE’S MP Maria Miller has said that the decision to call an early election is the perfect opportunity to “put an end to political party games.”

Earlier today the prime minister Theresa May announced that a snap general election will be held on June 8.

The move takes place against the backdrop of the country's decision to leave the European Union in last year's referendum.

Mrs Miller said: “I think that the decision to call the election from Theresa May shows that she is putting the country first, and it put an end to political parties playing games over Brexit.”

She added: “Over the last year of talking to people they have overwhelmingly told me that they want the best for this country, and that is what the prime minister is looking to deliver.”

The decision to call an early election comes in a bid to bring about a united government moving forward.

Mrs May said: "The country is coming together but Westminster is not."

She added: “The division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit.

"I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election."

North East Hampshire MP Ranil Jayawardena believes that this is an opportunity for there to be no more uncertainty for in the decisions made by the government.

He said: ““We have a one-off chance to hold an election while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.

“If we’re going to have a General Election, the decision cannot be delayed and needs to happen now.

“The Prime Minister believes that this is the only way to end the uncertainty the other parties are causing—and I will continue to support Theresa May’s strong leadership of our country.”

However, leader of the Basingstoke Labour Group, councillor Paul Harvey said this is a chance for the country to see the back of a “poor Tory government”.

Cllr Harvey said: “This announcement is a reflection of how weak she thinks she is, and her own party is in chaos.

“People were sold on the idea of Brexit, but in reality we are not seeing the promises which they said would be delivered if people voted to leave.

“I am sure that the Labour party will put up a strong fight to deal with this mess the Tories have put us in.”