Politicians across the political spectrum in Powys have reacted to the announcement of the General Election.

In a surprise move, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on the steps of Downing street today (May 22) that there will be general election on July 4.

Conservative Senedd Member Rusell George was quick to throw his backing behind Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams, saying: “‘I have an incredibly good working relationship with Craig, and together over the past 5 years we have been able to achieve much success locally for Montgomeryshire.

“In Craig, we are very fortunate to have a local MP that understands our area, having been born and raised in Montgomeryshire.”

The Welsh Lib Dems have welcomed the news, stating that it’s “about time the public had a say in who is running the country”.

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Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “It’s about time the public had a say in who is running the country, after years of Conservative chaos and disorder we have finally been given the chance to show them the door.

“This is not only an opportunity to kick the Conservatives out of Westminster but also our chance to send a message to the Welsh Labour government that Wales will not put up with their nonsense for much longer.”

Plaid Cymru said they were “ready to take the fight to the London parties to demand the fairness Wales needs and deserves.”

Montgomeryshire Plaid Cymru candidate Elwyn Vaughan said: “Well here we are - this is an opportunity for change, for a strong voice rooted in our communities.

“In the last Senedd election Plaid for the first time came second to the Conservatives. Only a fortnight ago we were again second to the Tories in Powys in the Police and Crime Commissioner election whilst Labour were third and Lib Dems fourth.

“We are the progressive voice and challengers in these communities and that is why I’m asking all of you to lend your support and ensure unity of purpose and values.”

Welsh Labour have said: “There are only two ways this can go – more decline under the Tories, or a brighter future, with Labour governments in the Senedd and Westminster.”

Matthew Dorrance the Labour Candidate for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said: “Election day will be the only poll that counts but let’s not wake up after polling day with a Tory MP in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe.

“If you want to see the back of the Tories vote Labour in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe.”

Conservative Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said: "General Election on July 4. 43 days to go - let’s go.

"I’ll be out knocking on as many doors as I can between now and then, talking to voters and reminding them of the choice we face: stick with a plan that’s working or gamble our future with a divisive, unprincipled Labour Party with zero ideas.

"I’m proud of my record - whether saving Brecon Barracks, fighting industrial scale wind farms or securing tens of millions of public investment in Brecon and Radnorshire - as well as serving thousands of constituents."