CONSERVATIVE party members turned out in “record numbers” for a secret ballot on Saturday and voted to deselect Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro in favour of a surprise candidate – Wimbledon-based criminal solicitor Charlotte Chirico.

Mr Munro, a former Farnham county councillor who ousted Independent PCC Kevin Hurley in the 2016 election and had sought his party’s nomination for a second term, will continue in the post until the next PCC election in May next year.

He said: “I am naturally disappointed. But I can assure residents that this will not deflect me from my primary role of holding the force to account on behalf of all residents for the remaining 14 months of my current tour.

“Surrey Police has made enormous strides in the last three years but there’s always more to do. My immediate priority will be to appoint a new chief constable and then together we will lead the force’s improvement journey.”

Party faithful at the packed meeting in East Moseley were asked to cast their votes for either Mr Munro, Ms Chirico or Alfold borough councillor Kevin Deanus as the 2020 Tory candidate.

Mr Deanus, former West Surrey Police divisional commander with responsibility for policing Waverley and Guildford, was favoured by many and lost to Ms Chirico by 20 votes.

Julian Ellacott, chairman of the Conservative Party in Surrey, told the Herald: “David has given valuable service to Surrey in the PCC role, on top of his previous roles in public service, and change in these circumstances is not easy for anyone.

“The Conservative Party is a democratic party and all positions are subject to reapproval.

“Local members turned out in record numbers at the selection meeting on Saturday, and after asking tough questions of all three candidates they chose Charlie, in a secret ballot.

“Based on reactions of members after the meeting she will have strong and enthusiastic support for her campaign to be elected as PCC next May.”

Welcoming her selection, Charlie Chirico said: “As a prosecutor, I’ve been the voice of our victims in courts both in Surrey and south London, and so I understand the changing face of crime.

“It would be a privilege to serve the county in the role of PCC, and I will be working over the coming year to meet people in all parts of our community, to understand their views on the main policing challenges in Surrey.”