MPs around the Bradford district have welcomed Theresa May's announcement of a snap General Election - but business leaders are more guarded.

The election will take place on June 8 - provided that Mrs May can secure a two-thirds majority for it in the House of Commons, where a vote will be held on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Theresa May calls snap election in bid to strengthen Brexit mandate​

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said she will be backing the vote for a General Election.

She said: “I absolutely welcome it, it is about time we were given the opportunity to put an end to this government which has devastated the NHS.

“I know there will be no room for complacency in Bradford West but I am confident I will be able to demonstrate and show people why Labour is the right option.”

Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East, was also in combative mood.

Mr Hussain said:  “After repeatedly saying she would not call a general election and that it is not in the best interests of the country, Theresa May has gone back on her word and called a vote on this Conservative Government’s 7 years of austerity, hardship and poor prospects for working people, the majority of which was propped up by a Liberal Democrat Coalition.

“In just over six weeks time, the people of Bradford will have the chance to say to this Government, ‘no more’; no more attacks on support for working people, no more cuts for the most vulnerable, and no more serving those at the top at the expense of those in the middle and at the bottom.”

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said he is “shocked” by Theresa May's surprise announcement.

Mr Davies said: “I did not see this coming or expect it at all.

“Anyone who asked me I told there would be no election, so what do I know?

“I don’t know if it will get through the Commons. It will depend entirely on Labour and if they decide to back it."

Presuming the election goes ahead, Mr Davies is confident of an increased majority for the Conservatives.

He said: “If we have an election, I hope the Prime Minister will be given a ringing endorsement by the British people to get the best possible deal for Britain, and showing the country is right behind her for the negotiations would be incredibly helpful.”

Speaking about his own constituency, Mr Davies said he never takes any person’s vote for granted.

“I am never complacent about votes, so I will give it my best shot and respect whatever the outcome is.”

His fellow conservative, Keighley and Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins, welcomed the news.

He said: “I believe it is right for a General Election to take place before the Brexit negotiations get fully underway.

“I campaigned vigorously for a Remain vote but, as a democrat, I fully accept the clearly expressed will of the people.

“It is important that we now pull together as a nation and seek to obtain the best possible deal for the United Kingdom as we prepare to leave the European Union.

“That is why it is right that the people get a further say on what Brexit should look like."

Mr Hopkins confirmed his intention to defend his seat.

He said: “As someone who has been proud to represent my home seat of Keighley and Ilkley in Parliament since 2010, I am proud to be putting my name forward for re-election.

“I will be asking local residents to support me on my record of achievement for them and my commitment to helping the Conservative Government to secure a Brexit deal that will be in the best interests of Keighley and Ilkley.”

But business leaders have warned that the election could take attention away from Brexit negotiations and the economy.

Stephen Wright, Chairman of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Many business communities will understandably be concerned that attention will inevitably shift from the economy and the intricacies of leaving the EU to a potential election campaign. Firms will want to be reassured that the key challenges facing the economy will be front and centre throughout any election period.

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