Four candidates are vying to become Epsom and Ewell’s MP as the UK goes to the polls on June 8.

This week, the Epsom Guardian is introducing the candidates and sharing their views on health, education, the economy, the environment, and Brexit, as well as their local priorities.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling was the constituency’s most recent representative, before the dissolution of parliament relinquished MPs of their duties.

He will be defending a majority 24,443 against Labour candidate and train driver Ed Mayne, Liberal Democrat Steve Gee and the Green party’s Janice Baker.

Here are your four candidates’ views on the economy:

Surrey Comet:

Chris Grayling, Conservative

“Our economy has done very well in recent years, with unemployment at its lowest since the 1970s.

“I want to see that continue, and believe we will need the strong and stable leadership provided by Theresa May to achieve this. “

Surrey Comet:

Ed Mayne, Labour

“I believe the consequences of the Tory plans to exit the EU will have a massive impact on the country.

“We in the south east will be particularly hit as many local people work in London which, to a large extent, relies on unimpeded access to the EU Single Market.

“International firms have already announced that they are moving jobs to EU countries and this is even before we know what the outlines of a deal will be.

“Life outside of the EU is going to be difficult so we need to prioritise investment in skills and training so that we’re able to develop a workforce that is flexible and adaptable to take on the challenges of increasing automation in the global economy where no country owes us a living.”

Surrey Comet:

Steve Gee, Liberal Democrat

“Our country cannot thrive and provide the vital services that we all need without a strong economy.

“We can't have a strong economy and a hard Brexit.

“A report by the respected Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows benefit cuts, soaring inflation and the Brexit squeeze will leave 3 million families £2500 worse off.

“Thousands of residents in Epsom and Ewell will lose out and the damage to our economy by walking away from the single market will make a bad situation worse.”

“We now need to move away from a period of Tory austerity.

“No further cuts are acceptable in the situation that our public services are in and hard-working public sector workers like nurses and teachers need to be given higher than 1 per cent pay increases when inflation is starting to rise.

“Inequality in our society is growing and the record use of food banks is appalling in one of the largest economies in the world.

“The Tories seem to have no answer to this other than to cut further.”

Surrey Comet:

Janice Baker, Green

“To make the transition to a zero-carbon sustainable economy is to create a vast range of new jobs.

“Restoring the public sector would do likewise.

“At the same time, economic growth only makes sense when it works for everyone, not just the privileged, and that calls for a living minimum wage of £10 per hour, offset by reducing employers’ NI contributions.

“A new wealth tax on the top one per cent, and closing tax loopholes and offshore tax havens are ways to slow the widening gap between rich and poor and to challenge vested interested.”

What do you think? Comment below, or get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk