Ms Richardson told The Dragon: “It’s a CCHQ [Conservative Campaign Headquarters] role and great to be part of the campaigning team in an election year.”

Recognising the Conservative position in the polls she said: “It’s a challenge, but the saying, ‘if you want to get something done, ask a busy person’ is appropriate here. I’ve always been a team player and helped others in their campaigns since I got involved in politics in 2016.

Delta Poll – National poll of voting intentions recorded March 27, 2024. Sample: 1,589 adults in Great Britain

“On Sunday (March 24), I was out helping Marisa Heath in the new Dorking and Horley seat. I’ve got a strong record of campaigning in Guildford and when the chips were down in May 2019 and Conservatives were polling at 9 per cent before the European elections, I was out campaigning for Daniel Hannan and the rest of the Conservative MEP candidates, when many others downed tools.

“It’s what you do when the polls are difficult that defines your character. In the role, I will be supporting the national campaign as well as keeping my focus on Guildford. I will be promoting the government’s excellent record on the media and I will again act as a conduit for colleagues to make sure their voices are heard by the chairman and No 10 on campaigning matters.

“I believe wholeheartedly that we have one of the most able, hard-working and decent Prime Ministers in No 10 and I am delighted to be asked by him to serve the Conservative Party in a national role.”