It came as total surprise but it’s right for Brexit

Sir Julian Brazier admits the general election announcement came as a surprise – and is forecasting a campaign centred on the UK’S Brexit negotiations.

He insists his party’s commitment to implementing last year’s EU referendum result will become the most significant battle line between the Tories and Labour and the Lib Dems.

“This was a total surprise, but it is certainly the right thing for the government to do,” he said.

“The fact is that the people made a clear decision during the referendum last year and the government has given a commitment to the nation to do it.

“We have a small minority. We need a bigger one as we are about to implement the most complex series of changes ever enacted in legal history. We will have to revisit every piece of legislation which has been done by the EU.

“The opposition has said they will fight us every step of way and in order to combat that we need a proper majority.” Sir Julian added that Labour was wavering on the issue of Brexit while the Lib Dems intend to try to thwart the process.

The election is scheduled for June 8 and comes just five weeks after the Kent County Council election.

Despite being the MP for 30 years, Sir Julian must await confirmation from the local party before being formally nominated as the Conservative candidate.

He added: “We need to hold this election now to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.

“The choice is clear - strong and stable leadership with Theresa May and the Conservatives, or a weak and unstable coalition government led by Jeremy Corbyn, propped up by the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats.”