A former council leader and a technology entrepreneur are among the Conservative hopefuls vying to be the Conservative London Assembly candidate for Havering and Redbridge.

Local Tories will be selecting their London Assembly candidate tonight to fight the Havering and Redbridge seat.

At a packed meeting in Gants Hill on Sunday ten candidates were whittled down to three after a short-listing process.

The three finalists are former adviser to the Prime Minister and youth and community expert, Shaun Bailey, technology entrepreneur Sarah Macken, and former leader of Redbridge Council, Keith Prince.

Commenting on the final line up, Redbridge Conservative leader Cllr Paul Canal said: “This is an excellent shortlist packed with experience and knowledge.

“The GLA Assembly is a crucial body in London Government and all short-listed would do a great job.

“Havering and Redbridge Tories are facing a tough choice.”

More than 200 people are expected to attend the selection meeting which starts at 7.30pm with the winner announced this evening.

Whoever wins will face Labour candidate Ivana Bartoletti who was selected by her party last month.

The boroughs’ current assembly member, Conservative Roger Evans, announced he would be standing down in next year’s election.