AT 27, George Osborne is one of the country's youngest budding MPs.

But he insists his age is a real benefit.

"Politics is becoming quite a young person's game," he said. "The Prime Minister is 44 and William Hague is 37. My age gives me two advantages. The first is that I can come here and really make a home for the next 30 years, or however long I serve as an MP. I also think I have the energy needed to get out there and win the seat back."

After leaving university, Mr Osborne worked as a freelance journalist before spending two years at the Ministry of Agriculture.

"I'm not a farmer but I understand the politics of farming and the issues of farming," he said. "I think I will understand the problems the farmers of Cheshire are facing at the moment."

From there he moved to 10 Downing Street, working on John Major's unsuccessful 1997 General Election campaign. He then helped William Hague's bid to become Tory leader before becoming his political secretary, briefing him before Prime Minister's Question Time and dishing out policy advice.

"I do know people in high places and will be trying to get as many of them here to meet members of the association and of the electorate," said Mr Osborne.

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