EAST Hampshire Conservatives met Rishsi Sunak at a farm near Ropley over the weekend to hear why they should vote for him to be prime minister rather than his opponent Liz Truss.

The ‘meet, listen, and ask questions’ event at Manor Farm on Saturday was organised by East Hampshire Conservative Association, whose chairman East Hampshire District Council deputy leader Julie Butler lives in Petersfield.

After listening to the former chancellor make his pitch, she and other EHDC councillors – including council leader Richard Millard – were pictured with the 42-year-old candidate.

Cllr Butler said: “We, along with Conservative associations up and down the country, put on these events for the candidates.

“They are organised so party members can hear what they have to say and inform them before they vote for the candidate they prefer.

“As association chairman I am not allowed to influence anyone at all in any way. The ballot papers went out on Monday and are probably with members now, and they will vote for the candidate of their choice.

“The association doesn’t give any lead, nor do associations have a ‘block’ vote. East Hampshire Conservative members will vote how they like, which is right.

“If Liz Truss’ team asked the East Hampshire Conservative Association to organise a similar event, we would do so quite happily.”

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond have publicly stated they are backing Mr Sunak, and were at the Manor Farm event.

Mr Hinds said: “It was brilliant Rishi was able come to East Hampshire.

“Members were clearly impressed with the clarity of his programme and his personal warmth and strong purpose.”