Theresa May has called an early general election for June 8.

The Prime Minister had repeatedly denied that she would call an election before the next scheduled poll in 2020.

But following a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street she said she would go to the country this year.

Speaking outside Number 10, the Prime Minister said the Cabinet had agreed to call an early election.

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

Justifying the decision, Mrs May said: "The country is coming together but Westminster is not."

She said the "division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit".

Explaining her u-turn on an early election, Mrs May said: "I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election."

In 2015’s general election Preseli Pembrokeshire Conservative MP Stephen Crabb held his seat with 40% of the vote.

Carmarthen west and south Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart, also a Conservative, held his seat with 43% of the vote.

Following the announcement Mr Hart said: "As the PM has said the time is right to give voters a chance to express a view about a whole range of subjects and to give her the mandate she needs to negotiate the best possible deal for Wales and the UK. I have loved very moment of my time as MP for my local area and I will be fighting this election as positively and enthusiastically as ever."

Mr Crabb added: "Theresa May’s decision to call an election for 8th June is both courageous and correct. We need this election now to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond. This is a key moment to strengthen Britain’s hand as it goes into the negotiations in Europe.

“Theresa May is the only political leader who can unite the whole country at this time. I look forward to getting back out on the doorsteps in Preseli Pembrokeshire to make the case for a strong Conservative government.”