Meet the Esher and Walton General Election 2024 hoping for your votes

It was supposed to be one of the key seats to watch at this election. A giant rematch between the Conservative Dominic Raab and the Liberal Democrat who whittled the former deputy prime minister’s 23,298 vote majority down to just 2,743, Monica Harding.

The decision of Mr Raab to resign in wake of a bullying investigation and not seek reelection put paid to the highly anticipated showdown but it has meant that, no matter which party gains the most votes, Esher and Walton will have a new MP for the first time since 2010.

Four other parties will be hoping its not a two-horse race although with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats securing 94.4 per cent of all the votes last election, that may be a tough ask.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reached out to the six candidates hoping to win your vote in Woking and let them pitch why you should back them on July 4.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by surname and have written 100 words on why they deserve your vote on July 4.

Richard Bateson, Social Democratic Party

The SDP is an old party that is undergoing a renaissance. I joined since I was disappointed by the other major parties and it has very practical and sensible policies on important issues.

I have enjoyed living in Esher for over 20 years and my children have attended the local schools. I am a Cambridge physicist who has worked at several top universities, leading financial institutions and created my own business.

If elected I would bring common sense and good analysis to challenge the party in power and fight for the best interests of our community and nation.

John Cope, Conservative

My rocky start in life drives me. Born to a 14-year-old mother in a council house. Then, foster care, before my parents adopted me, loved me, and gave me a second chance.

I was lucky, but luck shouldn’t define our future. I have dedicated my life to improving things, including as a director at UCAS preparing young people for the future.

My focus, as it’s been as a local councillor, will be our area: we’ve already seen new schools, new health centre funding and more police than ever. I will be a compassionate MP who cares about where we live.

Yoel Gordon, Labour

I have worked in international education for 30 years and been a Labour Party councillor in the London Borough of Ealing for two decades.

I believe that the country and the constituency needs change – the only sort of change that a Labour Government can deliver.

I have been campaigning on the issues that residents in Esher and Walton tell me matter the most to them: pollution in our waterways, the lack of genuinely affordable housing, lack of youth services, inadequate funding for local NHS services and the lack of real action on climate change.

Alistair Gray, Reform UK

Until 2023 I had very little interest in politics and no respect for most politicians. Retired scientist, two daughters with a career in the energy industry I became aware of what a train wreck for the economy the net zero policy represents.

I did my own calculation of the cost to the UK. 4 trillion pounds plus over a 25-year period. Unachievable, and the global warming crisis sold to us without debate is exaggerated and unscientific.

Climate change happens, both naturally and human induced. We can handle it. I also resent the erosion of national culture and free speech.

Monica Harding, Liberal Democrats

Monica, a local mum of four, has lived in Thames Ditton for 17 years. She stood against Dominic Raab in 2019 because she 'got fed up with shouting at the TV and decided to do something about it’, coming within 2,700 votes of unseating him.

Her priorities are improving access to local health care; protecting the NHS; easing the cost-of-living crisis; and cleaning up sewage in local rivers.

Monica has worked as a director and CEO, in the private, public and charity sectors, been vice chair of governors at a local school and a trustee at Princess Alice Hospice.

Maciej Pawlik, Green

I am a disaster scientist, conducting international research that focuses on increasing community resilience. I also manage events for thousands, providing access to learning opportunities.

My desire is to tackle the environmental emergency, support our public services, and hold large corporations to account. I enjoy community engagement, I can liaise well with diverse teams, and I have the scientific background to implement impactful solutions.

The Green Party was there for me when I lost my strength due to chronic illness, and I want to take the power they gave me to help those left behind by our failed system".