A majority of 522 British legislators on Wednesday voted in favour of Prime Minister Theresa May’s motion to hold a national election on June 8. Only 13 legislators voted against her proposal. While he welcomed the move, Leader of Opposition Jeremy Corbyn accused May of going back on several promises made.

On April 18, May had made the election announcement minutes after she held a meeting with her Cabinet members, reported The Telegraph.

The prime minister had said her decision for an early election was triggered by the need to ensure a smooth exit from the European Union. She had said other parties are opposed to the government’s Brexit plans and added that she would not allow her opponents to hamper the exit negotiations. “Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit,” May had said.

Her announcement was a sharp departure from her earlier stance. The prime minister had earlier ruled out an early election. Explaining the change of decision, May had said, “I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election.” However, she had added that it was with “reluctance” that she announced the early polls, according to The Guardian.