THERESA May has announced a snap general election on June 8.

The Prime Minister made the announcement in an unexpected statement outside 10 Downing Street at 11:15am following a meeting of the Cabinet.

Ms May said: "We need a general election, and we need one now"

The plans will be put before the House of Commons tomorrow.

Cumnock MP Corri Wilson took to social media and said: "Theresa May announces General Election on 8 June. Her reason is the UK is divided over #brexit"

Two polls in the last 48 hours have put the Conservatives 21 points ahead of Labour. Ms May had repeatedly insisted she would not go early to the country despite some colleagues urging her to do so.