Their identities are yet to emerge, but the Elmbridge Guardian is reporting that of the final six names in the frame for the Esher and Walton nomination, none are from the constituency itself, despite applications having come from a variety of local councillors and constituency activists:
"The Conservative Association will announce their six candidates on Friday, but the Elmbridge Guardian has learnt that it has opted for three men and three women, with two reserves. Although none of them live in the constituency, one candidate does have "very strong local connections" the Guardian has been told. In September, the Tories announced they would use an American-style open primary system to choose their next candidate, following current MP Ian Taylor’s announcement he would stand down at the next general election."
I gather that 193 people applied for the seat and the meeting to select a successor to Ian Taylor will take place on November 21st at Sandown Park.
We'll publish the names of the six finalists as soon as we have them - if you have any information to share, as ever you can email me in confidence via jonathan@conservativehome.com.
Jonathan Isaby