The general election has not been an enjoyable experience, according to one of Epsom’s independent hopefuls – who feels that “people have just ignored me”.

Pessimistic cameraman Gareth Harfoot, 35, said he is not confident that he will get many votes and believes Conservative incumbent Chris Grayling will be re-elected in Epsom and Ewell tonight.

Enjoying a smoothie in a cafe at the corner of the count, Mr Harfoot said: “I’m hoping I won’t join the only three candidates who have got less than 10 votes ever.

"I think they got 1, 3 and 7.

“People have just ignored me. I know my leaflets were horrific but it was all I could afford.”

Mr Harfoot said campaigning had left in a “terrible spiral” at times.

“I still can’t say I have enjoyed it,” he said.

“You think ‘I can’t just give up, I should be doing more and make more of a difference’ and you get into this terrible spiral were you feel terrible about yourself.

“You can’t be the person you want to be.”

He said he was “under no illusions” that he would be getting his £500 deposit back after tonight’s count - the Ewell resident would need to win more than 3,000 votes equating to 5 per cent - but he has been surprised at people’s reaction to him throwing his hat into the ring.

Mr Harfoot said: “It’s weird the hostility you get from people as to why you are even bothering.

"Because someone has to!”