Labour will gain a bigger slice of the votes even though Chris Grayling will keep hold of Epsom and Ewell, according to Conservative campaigners.

Sitting among an array of coffee cups, Pepsi bottles and chocolate wrappers in a corner at the count, Jane Race and her husband Daniel, both standing for election as borough councillors in Epsom, said they believe Tory Mr Grayling will be returned as MP – but that Labour’s Sheila Carlson will also do well.

Mr Race said: “Last time, the Liberals came second.

"We will probably see a switch in the numbers between Labour and the Liberals this time.

“Sheila Carlson has a fairly strong vote as a local candidate.

"I also think the Lib Dem crash predicted nationally may be replicated here.”

Surrey Comet:

But, earlier this evening, Ms Carlson, 62, said she would not be saying any more to the Epsom Guardian except "we have to wait and see". 

The Races said they saw people queuing up to vote around polling stations in Epsom today.

“There feels like there has been more engagement,” Mr Race said.

“Being round at the polling stations there were more queues for people.

"It seems more younger people are engaged in this election than 2010.

His wife added: “It’s the first time I’ve seen queues and been excited by queues.”