Pleas for Government to stop using the NHS as a "political football" were one of the biggest concerns at a meet your candidates hustings for the Esher and Walton seat.

Questions about the European Union, the need for social housing, accountability and the NHS required answers from the MP hopefuls.

Dominic Raab, Conservative, Francis Eldergill, for Labour, Andrew Davis, from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party candidate Olivia Palmer, Ukip hopeful Nicholas Wood and an Independent Citizen candidate Della Reynolds were quizzed at the hustings on Wednesday, April 8, at Esher Civic Centre, organised by Esher Business Guild.

They were asked what has been achieved in the past five years in terms of waiting times in the NHS, with another imploring Government to stop using the service as a way to score points.

Mr Davis said: "I think we must be proud of the fact it's still free in the UK" but agreed the Government could work together better to ensure its protection, an issue the other candidates concurred with.

Ms Reynolds, who is standing for accountability, made a point on the rising cost of house prices during her introduction. She gave the audience something to ponder as she said had the cost of living risen in line with house prices, a chicken would cost £51.

This seat has been held by the Conservative party since 1906. Mr Raab, who was elected in 2010, said he had promised to do good things and said "I believe I have kept my word".

He likened Labour's behaviour in the run up to the general election on May 7, to that of a drunken teenager who had trashed the house, woken up, and were complaining at the Conservatives for not clearing it up quickly enough.