East Surrey's next member of parliament is likely to be decided this weekend, three months ahead of the general election.

Although Prime Minister Gordon Brown is not expected to go to the polls until May 6 this year, retiring MP Peter Ainsworth has the sixth safest Conservative seat in the country, making it extremely likely his successor will take his place in the Commons.

Conservative party members will be able to select from a shortlist of six candidates at a private meeting in Oxted on Saturday, having first heard them speak and answer questions.

But as the list of candidates was announced, many, including leading Tory councillors, were left wondering who some of the candidates were.

Even East Surrey Conservative Association seemed to be uncertain of the background and merits of some of the candidates selected by Tory central office.

Deputy chairman Richard Allen told The Mirror: "We don't have photographs of the candidates, or detailed CVs. We are getting in touch with them to find out more."

He added that he knew little more than The Mirror.

Away from the constituency party, some concern was also expressed that candidates had not been selected entirely on merit.

Beverley Connolly, Conservative District Councillor for Harestone, said: "I am sure they are all eminently able candidates, but some of these people have been 'parachuted' in from out of the area.

"We have a black candidate, a gay candidate. I'm not remotely homophobic. It's not a reflection on their abilities or personalities. But you have to ask if people are there just to tick boxes.

"It's not about what is best for the party in East Surrey, it's about what the party wants."

But the suggestion was refuted vehemently by candidate and career banker Tariq Ahmad said: "One glance at me and you can see my ethnic background, but my record speaks for itself."

And on the subject of 'parachuting' candidates in from outside the region, fellow candidate Iain Dale added: "I'm a firm believer that constituencies must have the right to choose their own candidate. I understand the concerns that have been raised by some local members, but I urge them to reserve judgement until they have heard from all six of us on Saturday.

"No one can or should try to impose a candidate on a local association but I hope that they will find that they have six high quality individuals to choose from, each of whom offers something different."

Natalie Elphicke:

London-based Natalie Elphicke, 39, is a partner in a leading city law firm and a national expert in social and affordable housing and finance.

She told The Mirror: "For me, public service is a matter of honour, not profit. I am committed to the need to clean up public life, and would be an energetic campaigner for the people of East Surrey.

"If elected, I would use my professional expertise to protect Surrey from greenbelt development, over-expansion of London, and preserve quality of life and environment.

My national priorities are to get Britain growing again so we can all enjoy renewed opportunity and prosperity. I want lower taxes, particularly to support employment and small businesses."

Philipa Broom:

Spelthorne-based Philipa Broom, 41, is from a rural farming community, and a councillor on Spelthorne Borough Council.

She said: "I used to be head of appeals at the NSPCC in Wales and I am now an international director for the conservative party.

"Surrey is all about the community. Without a thriving community, the area cannot flourish and I want to preserve and enhance that.

"As a local councillor I have found there is too little power locally, and I want to bring that power back to the grass roots".

Tariq Ahmad:

Wimbledon-based Tariq Ahmad, 41, is director of marketing, strategy and research for a financial company.

He told The Mirror: "I believe in being out in the community. I am all for being harangued. I will take an issue and run with it.

"I think an MP's role is about spearheading a team. I don't have five generations connecting me to East Surrey, but I am aware of the issues and have visited to find out more, and been to places like the Oxted sand pit.

"I have been a councillor for eight years now and I am for localised decision making."

Sally Marks:

Woldingham-based Sally Marks, 55, is the best known of the candidates locally.

A company director and former BBC newsreader and presenter, she said: "I think the members will see they have six excellent candidates on Saturday, I am delighted to be one of them.

"People know what I am about. I know the area, the plusses, the challenges.

"I want to improve people's lives. I know I have a lot of support, I just hope I am given the chance to put my local experience to use on a wider playing field."

Iain Dale:

Freelance broadcaster and blogger Iain Dale said: "Selecting a new candidate is probably the most important thing a constituency association will do. Get it right and you may have a rising star on your hands, get it wrong and you may regret it for 20 years.

"I would bring to the role the experience of a successful 20-year business career and a track record of getting things done.

"I live just over the Kent/Surrey border but promise to move to East Surrey and I will do everything in my power to protect the rural identity of the constituency.

"I don't pretend to be a shrinking violet. I find calling a spade a spade produces results.

"I promise to always put the interests of East Surrey constituents first."

Sixth candidate Sam Gyimah was contacted for comment but has not been able to respond to The Mirror