South Yorkshire politicians react to surprise snap General Election announcement

Mrs May said the vote, which will take place on June 8, was necessary because of divisions in Westminster as a result of the process of leaving the EU.

MPs will vote on the Prime Minister's proposal tomorrow, with a two-thirds majority needed for the election to take place.

Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh said it was a chance for Labour to send the Conservatives a 'clear message'.

"We’ve seen jobs go; pay fall; schools underfunded; and our NHS lurching from one crisis to another," she said.

“I have fought hard for our city as your MP and I will fight for our community in this election: for a world-class education for our kids; for a fair economy that pays a living wage; and I will fight against the politics of hate and division.

“People in Heeley voted for Brexit because we had been ignored for far too long but Theresa May is not interested in people here and the hard right of the Tory Party want to use this moment to deliver on their political fantasies: slashing workers rights, a race to the bottom and further squeezes on jobs and pay.”

“Only a Labour Government will stand up for our city.”

Fellow Labour MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Gill Furniss said: “Although today’s announcement is unexpected as Theresa May has for months denied there would be a general election, if the vote tomorrow is successful I absolutely welcome the opportunity to put our Labour policies before the British people.

"While May’s government continues to muddle through the Brexit process, Labour have been putting together proposals that will unite, protect and strengthen the people of Britain."

Mrs Furniss said Labour would respect the vote to leave the EU but would fight for an 'inclusive' deal rather than a 'a divisive hard Brexit that will damage the economy and the lives of ordinary working people'.

She added: “Under this Tory Government, we have a crisis in the NHS, a crisis in social care, and school funding slashed across the country.

"Only Labour will protect the NHS, defend social care services, protect school budgets rather than pursuing divisive grammar schools, restore disabled benefits, and reverse the Tory tax cuts to the richest.

“An alternative is needed. After years of deep austerity cuts and now with the uncertainties of a hard Brexit, the Labour Party is ready with an effective alternative to a Tory government that has failed ordinary working people.”

And Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield said: “This is an opportunity for people to have a say on the issues they raise with me – secure and well paid jobs, an NHS that’s there when you need it, fair funding for our schools, proper social care for our elderly and affordable homes for our young people.

"The Tories are letting people down. Our country deserves better. June 8 is a chance for a fresh start.”