![Martin Gilbert, co-founder and chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management](https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/FN-AA348_GILBER_M_20170421053249.jpg)
If Europe’s electoral calendar wasn’t already packed enough, Theresa May’s decision to go to the polls has added another event that will impact markets.
The motivations for the early election are obvious. Polls have given the Conservatives a heady 15-20 point lead over Labour during recent months, which could see Mrs May’s narrow sub-20 seat working majority surge above 100, and deliver her a strong personal mandate.