The Epsom and Ewell Labour party has said it is ‘fighting to win’ the Epsom West division in next month’s by-election, which it believes is a ‘very good opportunity’ to send its first candidate to Surrey County Council since 1981.

Six candidates have been put forward for the November 19 election, following Liberal Democrat Stella Lallement’s dramatic and controversial resignation this month.

From October 7: Outgoing Surrey County Councillor Stella Lallement slams 'discriminatory and unsupportive' Epsom and Ewell Lib Dems

Surrey Comet: County Councillor Stella Lallement has created the petition over plans for Stamford Green Primary School

Stella Lallement, above.

And Labour, who came third in Epsom West in 2013, is hoping its surge in national popularity combined with the collapse of the Lib Dems’ local support will carry it to victory.

The candidate is current borough councillor Kate Chinn, and her campaign manager Vince Romagnuolo says the party has ‘broad appeal’ in the ‘very mixed’ area of Epsom.

Coun Romagnuolo said: "We think we’ve got a good chance with this election. We’re not complacent, but we’ve done a lot of good work in this area.

"Kate would be a very dedicated councillor - she’s worked hard to represent local people’s interests in her time on the borough council and she would take that spirit onto the county council."

Coun Chinn is currently a borough councillor for Court ward, within Epsom West, and spearheaded Labour’s campaign to secure a community purpose for the historic Horton Chapel, after the Residents’ Association announced its plans to sell it off.

Coun Romagnuolo also said Jeremy Corbyn’s election as Labour leader is another cause for optimism.

He said: "A lot of our core support in the traditional left-leaning pockets of Epsom West will have been energised recently. After all, a Lib Dem was elected last time so it’s not exactly a Tory stronghold.

"People are sick of the old-style of politics and all the spin that goes with it. The Labour party now represents a more honest, straight-talking politics."

The Residents’ Association, which has controlled the borough council for 80 years, are the favourites in the race, and should they take the seat they will become the official opposition at the county council, in partnership with the Independents.

Borough councillor Neil Dallen has been selected as its candidate, and he’s running on a platform of having worked extensively on county council matters with local committees.

Surrey Comet:

Neil Dallen of the Residents' Association

He said: "We’re hopeful about this race, although I’ve lost enough elections to learn to never be too confident in politics.

"But it’s very exciting because we could become second-biggest bloc at county council.

"My pitch to the voters would be that the Residents’ Association has served Epsom and Ewell well for many decades now, and personally I’m very experienced in county council work. I’d be going there to make a difference."

However the RA’s credentials as an opposition party have been questioned by the Liberal Democrat candidate, former borough councillor Julie Morris.

Surrey Comet:

Former borough councillor, Julie Morris

Mrs Morris said: "The thing about the RA is its not a national party, so you never really know what you’re going to get with them.

"A lot of them are Tories, and so they just go along with what the Tories on the county council want. To a degree they also just get ignored by the Conservatives.

"Whereas the Lib Dems are more of a proper opposition, and we have a proud record of standing up for local people’s rights."

The Conservatives finished in last place - behind Ukip - in the last Epsom West election in 2013, and this time they’ve selected a candidate with no council experience, despite having four borough councillors.

Karan Persand ran unsuccessfully in the Ruxley ward in this year’s borough election, but campaign team member Sean Sullivan hopes a collapse in the Lib Dem’s popularity will see their votes transferred to the Conservatives.

Surrey Comet:

The Conservatives eschewed a borough councillor to select Karan Persand

Mr Sullivan said: "Look at how we won the general election. The Liberals collapsed and their votes mainly migrated to us. I think it’ll be the same here.

"Karan is a good man and I don’t think it matters that he hasn’t been a borough councillor. Most people don’t know who their borough councillors are, but what does matter is how well a candidate can represent the residents."

The Green party candidate, Chris Crook, has said the need to build more houses and increase school places - as well as county council plans to shut recycling centres - are the most important issues facing residents.

Surrey Comet:

Green candidate, Chris Crook

Mr Crook said: "Tesco is selling its land in Upper High Street. We need truly affordable housing, schools and social facilities built and not another huge supermarket.

"The Conservatives’ plans to slash the budget for recycling centres by £1.8million will lead to a massive increase in fly-tipping.

"The summer consultation was a sham, not allowing you to oppose the plans but just agree to them in parts."

The full list of candidates for the November 19 election is:

Kate Chinn - Labour
Chris Crook - Green party 
Neil Dallen - Residents’ Association of Epsom and Ewell
Robert Leach - Ukip
Julie Morris - Liberal Democrats
Karan Persand - Local Conservatives

What do you think? Comment below or email letters@epsomguardian.co.uk.