MALDON’s MP has confirmed he will once again stand for election in the wake of the Prime Minister’s announcement of a snap general election this summer.

Shortly after 11am this morning UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans for a snap General Election on June 8, just over seven weeks away.

The Conservative Leader will put the motion forward for a vote in the House of Commons tomorrow.

Conservative MP for Maldon John Whittingdale said he was “gobsmacked” by the Prime Minister’s decision, but felt it was needed in the wake of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

He said: “I like many others was extremely surprised at the Prime Minister’s decision today, but her rationale behind it is clear.

“Last year the British public gave their clear choice that we should leave the European Union, and the Prime Minister has since made clear her vision for this process, which is one of the most important processes we as a country will go through.

“This was a vision of complete separation, the taking control of our borders and leaving the single market. This was being constantly challenged by many politicians, and now the public has their chance to have their say in this vision going forward.

“In Maldon and many other places across the country, the constituencies may now have no opposing candidates to the ones they have, and Labour are in a state of disarray with a hugely unpopular leader not just in the public in the eyes of party members.”

He added: “I have represented the Maldon constituency for many years now and it’s a place I know extremely well and have grown to love, I will feel proud to stand forward to represent the residents once again.

“Despite this, I was well and truly gobsmacked at the news, as is everyone I’ve spoken to.”