MPs in South London have been reacting to Theresa May's call for a snap general election on June 8.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister announced she would put the motion to hold a general election in front of the Commons tomorrow, April 19.

The proposed election would be held 50 days later and every major political party have indicated they would support the motion.

MORE: Theresa May calls for a general election on June 8

Rosena Allin-Khan, MP for Tooting, said: "Tooting Labour is ready, we were born ready. Bring it on."

Chris Philip, MP for Croydon South, said: "It is a very good idea that she has called an election it will give the public a chance to pass a verdict onto who they would like to run the country, Jeremey Corbyn or Theresa May, for the next five years.

"I will be running for re-election in order to campaign on for important local issues like the Purley hospital and the Purley skyscraper, to keep our area special."

Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, said: “Croydon has suffered badly from seven years of Conservative government. I welcome the chance to get this reckless Tory government out.

“They’ve spent the last few years handing millions to leafy Surrey while slashing funding for Croydon’s public services, and the axe is hanging over Croydon University Hospital.

“Voters at this general election have the chance to vote Labour to tell Theresa May that they won’t stand for five more years of falling wages, cuts to frontline NHS services, and overcrowded schools.”

James Berry, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, said: “It’s an incredible honour to represent the area where I live in Parliament and to be delivering the pledges local people elected me on.

"I’ve been working hard for local people since 2015 and will be seeking their support to continue to do so. I’m looking forward to standing on my local record and the government’s on 8 June.”

Gareth Johnson, MP for Dartford, said: "This announcement came as a surprise to me as much as anyone else. It is right though that people will be able to determine who is going to run our country. 

"Dartford is Britain’s longest lasting bellwether seat, having returned an MP from the governing party at each election longer than anywhere else.

"This means that if Labour win in Dartford on June 8, Jeremy Corbyn will be our Prime minister and running our country. The thought of that makes me shudder. 

"We cannot allow Jeremy Corbyn to spoil the work that Theresa May has started. I will be putting myself forward to continue serving the people of Dartford and help Theresa May continue her work. I hope that I will be given that opportunity."

Crispin Blunt, Reigate and Banstead MP, said Mrs May’s announcement to call a snap general election came as a “huge surprise”.

He told BBC News: “There is a perfectly sound case for it, which she made this morning.

“In terms of delivering Brexit – which is the biggest decision for the country to re-orientate ourselves – it has got to be delivered, and it makes sense to make sure she has got a significant mandate from the election to get it done.

“We have to hope that the electorate will be convinced of that over the next few weeks.

“Opinion polls suggest that the country recognises that the decision has been taken and what we need now to do is actually get it delivered.

“It is in the interests of the country that we have a leader with authority to deliver the biggest change in our country’s global position for 40 years.”

Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom and Ewell, said: “My first reaction, when the prime minister announced it, was surprise. I wasn’t aware of her decision.

“I was quite surprised, but I’m very much of the view that we need to secure strong, stable leadership for the Brexit process.

“In and around Westminster we have other parties lining up to cause problems for the negotiating strategy. What this decision does, is end uncertainty.

“Every vote for the Conservatives in this election will strengthen Britain’s hand in the Brexit negotiations.”

Transport secretary Mr Grayling added: “My approach will be to carry on being a national politician as well as a local campaigner fighting to protect the future of Epsom Hospital.”

Siobhan McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden, said: “I hope to be standing once again in Mitcham and Morden and I will as always fight for the same issues.

“I will relish the hundreds and thousands of conversations I will have with local residents over the next six weeks.”

Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said: "I welcome this election. I have been proud to serve as the MP for Erith and Thamesmead for the past 7 years, standing up for our patch and putting our community first. 

"Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to rebuild the economy, to invest in our NHS and to fight the housing crisis head-on. 

"I will continue to work tirelessly to serve our area and I am looking forward to a positive campaign putting forward a future that we want to see for our country and our area."

More to follow