Northern Ireland

Election: What happens now

Prime minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street, London, announcing a snap general election on June 8. PICTURE: John Stillwell/PA
Prime minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street, London, announcing a snap general election on June 8. PICTURE: John Stillwell/PA Prime minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street, London, announcing a snap general election on June 8. PICTURE: John Stillwell/PA

THERESA May has announced her intention to hold a snap general election to strengthen her hand going into the Brexit negotiations.

:: What happens now?

The Prime Minister will table a Commons motion on Wednesday calling for an election to be held on Thursday June 8.

Under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, passed under the last coalition government, she needs a two-thirds majority if she wants to go to the country before the scheduled date of the next the election which had been due to take place in May 2020.

With both Labour and the Liberal Democrats saying they will support the motion, the outcome should be a formality.

:: What comes after that?

There will be a short "wash-up" period to clear up outstanding legislation such as the Finance Bill to enable the funding of government to carry on.

Parliament will then be dissolved on Wednesday May 3, 25 working days before polling, marking the start of the official campaign.

:: And then?

If all goes to plan voters will go to the polling booths on June 8 with the outcome likely to become clear in the early hours of the next morning.