UK Election: 8 Things You May Have Missed

Theresa May’s surprise election announcement created a surge of excitement this week, and amid so much political reaction you may have missed out on some developments.

Here are eight of the most interesting stories that possibly passed you by…

1. A Version Of A TV Debate May Still Happen

Despite ruling herself out of general election television debates, Theresa May hasn’t ruled out the prospect of a Q and A style broadcast.

The BBC and ITV have already said they intend to hold television debates, with the other party leaders expressing their willingness to take part.

2. Resignations On Mrs May’s Staff

In the time since Theresa May’s election announcement, she has been hit with the resignations of both her Press Secretary and Director Of Communications.

Kate Perrior, Director Of Communications, resigned after the election call, having only started as the PM’s top spin doctor last July.

This was followed with Friday’s announcement that Press Secretary Lizzie Loudon will be leaving to move on to other things.

3. Seb Corbyn Linked With MP Role

Jeremy Corbyn’s son could be running as an MP, with The Telegraph linking him a run for a safe Labour seat in Liverpool. Corbyn’s press secretary Katy Clark has also been linked with a run as an MP.

However, a source from Mr Corbyn’s office has been quoted in The Sun saying Seb Corybn’s MP bid is “categorically untrue.”

4. MPs Standing Down

Several MPs have responded to the general election by announcing they’ll be stepping down. This includes four conservatives and twelve Labour MPs.

Prominent names stepping down include George Osborne, Alan Johnson, Gisela Stuart and Andy Burnham.

5. Tactical Voting Concerns

The woman who tried to stop Brexit, Gina Miller, has raised £205,000 in crowd funding since the election was announced. Her aim is to use the money to “Support the country’s biggest tactical voting drive ever and stop Extreme Brexit.”

It is unclear how this would work. Labour have already said they won’t be making a second Brexit referendum part of their manifesto.

6. Tony Blair’s role

Tony Blair has reacted to the election by calling for a cross party effort to stop a Conservative Brexit. “Unique circumstances demand a unique response,” he said in a blog on his website.

Senior Liberal Democrat sources have told The Telegraph that the former Prime Minister could join forces with their leader Tim Farron to campaign against the Conservative Brexit. Mr Blair has been critical of Jeremy Corbyn and has lamented “the state of Labour.”

7. Lib Dems make half a million in two days

The Liberal Democrats are looking to capitalise on polls showing a weakened Labour, and they’ve raised £500,000 in the two days since the election was announced. Tim Farron has said donors are flocking to the party.

8. Donald Trump’s reaction

President Trump reacted to the UK election news by telling Theresa May in a phone call he “wished the British people the best of luck in their electoral process.”

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