The four potential candidates for Sir Peter Viggers' seat will be grilled by local residents on why they are the best person for the job.

The meeting will take place at Thorngate Halls in Gosport, where the candidates will make speeches.

The floor will then be opened up for those attending to question the hopefuls on matters that they believe to be important in the borough.

The 500 tickets available to the public have now been snapped up, but all four candidates have written pieces for The News on why they believe they should be the Conservative candidate.

Postal votes have been sent out to all Gosport residents on the electoral register who can vote to select the Tory candidate they believe would do the best job.

Here's what they have to say.

SAM GYIMAH

Listening to people in Gosport over the last few weeks, it is clear to me that Gosport wants politicians who know what it means to do a hard day's work, worry about keeping their job, providing for a family and wanting to serve.
This is the story of my life. Born in the UK, and brought up by my mother, a nurse, I went from a comprehensive to university where I took up two jobs to pay my way. I left my job advising big business to work with small businesses, training and helping people find work, and I was named CBI Entrepreneur of the Future for my efforts. A 'can do attitude' and a desire to help others is what I bring to Gosport.
To seize the opportunity with the waterfront, to create local jobs at sites like Daedalus, and get the alternative road to the A32, we need investment. I believe I can work with you to achieve this.
My home would be in Gosport – in fact I'm already based here. Remembrance Service at the War Memorial reminded me how interlinked Gosport is with Britain's military history and role in the world – a passion of mine and another reason to live here.
As someone at the Grange Pub in Rowner said: 'Gosport wants politicians who listen'; which is why I would encourage you to contact me via my website sam4gosport.com.

CAROLINE DINENAGE

Gosport deserves a candidate with their feet on the ground and their life in this part of Hampshire. I have lived and worked in this area all my life, I run a small business in Horndean, I'm the proud mum of two children and my husband is in the Royal Navy.
I firmly believe actions are more important than words. I have a track record working on issues we all care about, fighting the closure of the Kings Theatre and saving the Mary Rose Maternity Unit, Southsea.
In my personal and professional life I believe in honesty, commitment, understanding, loyalty and hard work. These are my pledges:
Honesty – I won't abuse the trust of the people of Gosport. If elected I would publish all my expenses.
Commitment – I'll work tirelessly to safeguard local jobs.
Understanding – As the only truly local candidate, I use the A32 regularly and recognize that this grossly inadequate road is choking Gosport to death. Something must be done urgently.
Loyalty – I will move to Gosport and be absolutely committed to fighting for the needs and interests of its people.
Gosport is special – people here are strong and rightly proud of their
amazing heritage. It would be an enormous honour to represent them.
For details, caroline4gosport.co.uk

JULIA MANNING

You deserve a Conservative candidate with local knowledge, business experience and a track record you can trust. I know this area well as I grew up in Southsea, went to school in Fareham and then to Portsmouth High thanks to the Assisted Places scheme.
Four generations of my family have lived in south Hampshire.
In my 17 years of working in NHS eye-care, thousands of patients have trusted me to look after their eyesight. For five years I ran my own business, serving disabled people and mentally ill prisoners. This was a privilege.
I then founded 2020health, a policy 'think tank' that gives ordinary people an influential voice in political decisions. As a parent I am deeply committed to supporting family life. I felt compelled to become an MP.
As your candidate I would fight for Gosport's major role in our national security, which includes a Defence Training College at HMS Sultan; use my business experience to bring investment and new jobs, especially at Daedalus; campaign for better health and public services; be relentless in my battle to get a Stubbington bypass and promote smart development of the coastline to cultivate tourism to the benefit of the whole peninsula. I would be honoured to come back to my roots and serve you here.

JAMES BETHELL

The question you face is, who has the ability and commitment to represent Gosport in Westminster?
I have a track record of getting things done, like building a global entertainment business at the Ministry of Sound where I turned a failed start-up into a £100m-a-year business.
Gosport is neglected by central government and needs a champion with the determination to get things done.
I am a campaigner, who faced down the BNP's Nick Griffin on national TV. These are skills needed to deliver results on the A32/M27, Daedalus, Sultan and bringing jobs to the area. I've already pressed the case for HMS Sultan on the Conservative shadow defence minister, to some effect. I share the values of people in Gosport. Fairness. Decency. Tolerance. Pride in our country. Respect for our military. I may not be from round here but I have been busy getting to know people in the last
fortnight. And the glove fits.
And I am committed to Gosport, living here, sharing your lives, being a visible part of the community, being on the level and being transparent in my dealings. I am a 42-year old who has achievements outside politics. I am married to Melissa and father of Jacob and Elizabeth, and I hope you will give me the chance to put this ability and commitment to work on behalf of Gosport.