West of England reacts to general election news

The Prime Minister has called a general election for Thursday 4 July

People across the West of England have been sharing their views on the upcoming UK general election.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced Thursday 4 July as the date the country will go to the polls.

BBC West has heard from people across the region as part of its election coverage on radio, TV and online.

A number of people said they were "surprised" by the timing of the announcement, which they felt had come "out of the blue".

Bristol

Chrissie Sidwick says she wants politicians to work together, rather than emphasise their differences

BBC Radio Bristol spoke to people in Wick, a village to the east of the city:

Chrissie Sidwick, the owner of the Wick Cafe, said: "I'm nervous for the future. I'm not excited because I think (politicians) are all against each other."

"I want to see some conciliation between them all... I will probably vote Conservative."

Wick resident Keith Bishop said: "I don't think it's something that's going to make much difference in my life (whoever wins). But I will vote. My father fought in the war and he always told me to use my vote, regardless of who it's for."

Gloucestershire

The BBC's Midlands correspondent, Phil Mackie, heard the views of people in Gloucester city centre:

One woman said: "It's so out of the blue. But the world is in such a mess, they had to do something."

Another woman said: "It's not a lot of time to put campaigns together and get their messages across effectively, but people probably aren't happy with the way things are going."

One man said: "I was surprised, but it's time for change... and I'm pleased about it."

Somerset

Nick Morey thinks the government is under a lot of pressure to retain power

BBC Radio Somerset heard from people in Bridgwater:

Bridgwater resident, Jim, said: – “He’s finally got the gumption to do it. I’m surprised. I’m undecided but I won’t be surprised if I go down there on the day and vote Reform. I think immigration is a big one."

Resident Nick Morey said: “I am definitely going to vote Conservative. I think (Sunak) deserves a chance. I still think there’s more to come out of him. He’s got a lot of pressure at the moment so I am hoping he can do it.”

Bridgwater resident Jim thinks immigration will be a key issue at the general election

Wiltshire

BBC Points West gathered the reactions of people in Swindon

One man said: "I think I'll probably go Labour this time. Last time I went for the Conservatives. I usually go with whoever's got the best thing going."

A woman who lives in the town told us: "I'm voting for Reform, because the two big parties are exactly the same."