Epsom’s UKIP candidate said he does not expect to win tonight’s vote but keeps “hearing whispers that Chris Grayling is worried” his majority will be slashed.

Robert Leach, 66, said he would be delighted to see Mr Grayling’s 16,000 majority in the constituency “severely dented”, as votes begun to be counted at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

He said: “It’s within the realm of possibility.

“Here we are at a grandstand where we have often seen races not won by the favourite.

"He doesn’t like me. He won’t shake my hand.

“I have highlighted the fact that Chris Grayling has achieved nothing for Epsom in the last 14 years.

"I find it pathetic that he puts out leaflets saying he supports local charities and saving Epsom Hospital. We all do.”

Accountant and tax lecturer Mr Leach said a knee injury had stopped him from getting out and about in the constituency for some last-minute campaigning.

“My knee gave way. This is the first time I have been outside since last Sunday so I couldn’t do the last minute campaigning I planned to,” he said.

“As much as I’d love to blame the European Union for that I don’t think I can.”

He said exit polls showing that UKIP will win just two seats in the new parliament do not reflect how many votes the party will gather across the country.

Mr Leach added: “One of the sad things about the electoral system is that UKIP will win 15 per cent of the votes and less than 1 per cent of the seats in parliament.

"First past the post isn’t kind.

“But UKIP will continue to be a powerful influence in Epsom and Ewell nationally.”