Mhairi Fraser has been chosen as the Conservative candidate for Epsom and Ewell. Hoping to succeed Chris Grayling, the new Epsom and Ewell seat contains 84.9 per cent of its similarly named predecessor and 11.4 per cent of the current Mole Valley constituency. Despite Grayling having an implied majority of 16,001 in 2019, Electoral Calculus predicts the seat will be a tight Labour-Tory contest.
Fraser has worked as a solicitor for White and Case since 2017. Previously, she worked as a parliamentary assistant for both Damien Hinds and Greg Hands. Born in Scotland but an Epsom local since 2007 (where she worked in a local pub), Fraser stood in Coatbridge, Chryston, and Belshill in 2015, after running as a candidate for Epsom West in the 2013 Surrey County Council elections.
Fraser faced off against two short-listed ConservativeHome contributors: Mario Creatura, a former special adviser to Theresa May and Croydon councillor, and Ed McGuiness, an ex-British Army Officer, chairman of Islington Conservatives, Director of CF Armed Forces, and President of Conservatives in the City. In 2019, the former stood in Croydon Central, the latter in Hornsey and Wood Green.
According to a local source, Fraser was the “underdog” since the other two were “quite familiar names to Surrey Conservatives”. However, Fraser won on the second ballot, having given attendees a “clear understanding of how she thinks”. She is the latest ‘local champion’ to win a selection, at what was reportedly a well-attended meeting with a “healthy turnout” of “around 70”.
Despite the prospect of a tight contest, a local source told ConservativeHome they were “very confident” of victory with Fraser. Grayling has given her his blessing, telling the Epsom and Ewell Times that he is pleased she has “such local connections” and is a “very impressive and determined woman”. ConservativeHome wishes her all the best in keeping Surrey blue.
As ever, if you have any information about candidates and selections in your area, feel free to get in touch at william@conservativehome.com.