A multi-millionaire entrepreneur has been selected as the Conservative Party's next Parliamentary candidate in Croydon South.
Chris Philp triumphed over three other hopefuls in a vote of local party members last night.
The 37-year-old is likely to succeed Richard Ottaway as the party's next MP in the safe seat at the next general election.
He was the only man shortlisted for the final stage in the hotly contested race, seeing off Suella Fernandes, Lucy Frazer and Charlotte Vere at last night's meeting.
Mr Philp, who describes himself as a "Thatcherite and patriot", launched his own distribution company at the age of 24.
He has since set up three other businesses and was named London’s Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and the Times in 2003.
On his website, he highlights the welfare system, immigration and reform of the European Union as political priorities.
Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said last night he was "delighted" Mr Philp had been selected, adding: "Looking forward to working with him over the years."
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