Politicians across Oxfordshire have reacted to the news that a general election will be taking place in July with responses which range from "bring it on" to "the timing is interesting".
There are seven seats up for grabs in the county which include the incorporation of a new Bicester and Woodstock constituency in north Oxfordshire.
At present, all the MPs outside Oxford are Conservative with the two MPs inside the city being Lib Dem and Labour.
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Things could be about to change though as national polling predicts several losses in seats for Conservatives across the country.
Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East who is up for re-election, said: "It’s time for change. Oxford desperately needs a Labour government to turn the country round. Bring on the election!"
All candidates in Oxfordshire are up for re-election with the exception of John Howell, MP for Henley who has said he is retiring.
Mr Howell said: "I think it came as rather a surprise to everyone when speculation increased yesterday that the Prime Minster might call an early summer General Election. There had been a general view that it would be in November. The timing is interesting but I understand the Prime Minister’s rationale.
"I have been pleased to support the Conservative Party over the past 16 years despite falling out with it on occasions.
"My plans for the future have had to change due to suffering a stroke. In the short term my focus is on continuing my recovery and then I will decide what next."
Meanwhile, Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, has urged for change.
She said: “It’s clear this Conservative Government has failed Oxford West and Abingdon. After years of struggling to get a GP appointment, soaring rents and mortgages and our rivers being polluted by filthy sewage, it’s time for this Government to be kicked out of office.”
Victoria Prentis, Conservative MP for Banbury, said: "Having been born in the Horton and lived in the area all my life, it has been an honour and a privilege to represent Banbury in Parliament since 2015.
"I am looking forward to speaking to the people of Banbury, Chipping Norton and the surrounding villages on the doorstep to hear their views and show them that I am a strong, local voice in Westminster."
Robert Courts MP for Witney added: "Serving as the Member of Parliament for Witney and Western Oxfordshire is the greatest honour of my life.
"I care passionately about our local community - at all times during the last 8 years, I have strived to be a strong and effective voice in Parliament, championing the issues that matter most to us such as our green spaces, our heritage, our local businesses, our rural community and of course, our world-renowned RAF base in Brize Norton."
Looking to the future, Conservative candidate for the new Bicester and Woodstock constituency, Rupert Harrison, said: "Bring it on - the economy is turning a corner and the universal response on the doorstep in Oxfordshire is that Keir Starmer and Labour don't have a plan for the country."
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