Charlotte Vere says she believes she can win at the next election after being selected as the Conservative candidate for Brighton Pavilion.

Mrs Vere, from southwest London was selected from six finalists in an “open primary” staged by the Brighton Pavilion Conservative Association (BPCA).

Mrs Vere, who has been closely involved with the campaigns of environmentally minded millionaire Tory Zac Goldsmith, emerged victorious.

The, said: “It has been a huge experience over the past two weeks. I wasn’t on the first shortlist, I was a reserve. We have a huge fight ahead of us but it’s a fight I believe we can win.”

She will now contest the general election, expected in May, in what is anticipated to be one of the closest constituencies in the country.

It is held by retiring Labour MP David Lepper by a 5,000 majority.

The seat has also been made the top target of the Green Party and national leader Caroline Lucas has been brought in to contest it.

After the selection, BPCA chairwoman Carol Ramsden said: “Charlotte is going to be brilliant. The fact it went to the wire showed how strong a field there was.”

Charlotte Vere says she believes she can win at the next election after being selected as the Conservative candidate for Brighton Pavilion.

Mrs Vere, from southwest London was selected from six finalists in an “open primary” staged by the Brighton Pavilion Conservative Association (BPCA).

Mrs Vere, who has been closely involved with the campaigns of environmentally minded millionaire Tory Zac Goldsmith, emerged victorious.

The, said: “It has been a huge experience over the past two weeks. I wasn’t on the first shortlist, I was a reserve. We have a huge fight ahead of us but it’s a fight I believe we can win.”

She will now contest the general election, expected in May, in what is anticipated to be one of the closest constituencies in the country.

It is held by retiring Labour MP David Lepper by a 5,000 majority.

The seat has also been made the top target of the Green Party and national leader Caroline Lucas has been brought in to contest it.

After the selection, BPCA chairwoman Carol Ramsden said: “Charlotte is going to be brilliant. The fact it went to the wire showed how strong a field there was.”