This ‘inner Surrey’ seat marks the point at which London peters out and the North Downs begin, and includes a number of open green spaces which residents are keen to protect. The largest of these is Nonsuch Park, an area of 300 acres.

Ewell retains some aspects of an independent town, particularly in the old centre, whilst Epsom is best known for its racecourse, home to the Derby and the Oaks.

The inhabitants are mainly owner-occupiers and there is little unemployment, with 70% of the workforce from the top three social classes. The local Epsom and Ewell council is dominated by residents with a lively Lib Dem presence.

The Tories retained the seat in 1997 with an 11,000 majority, though this was halved compared with 1992.