Jeremy Hunt has said he is against plans to create a “super hospital” replacing both Epsom and St Helier.

Reacting to the leaked proposals to create an 800-bed centre after 2020, Mr Hunt, who is expected to be health secretary again if the Tories form the new government, said: “The Conservative party doesn't support these plans and wouldn't implement them in government.

“We believe smaller local hospitals have a vital role to play in the future of our NHS, which is why we’ve supported the NHS's own plan, the five year forward view, with an additional £8bn a year by 2020.

"The Labour party now needs to say how they would ensure a future for local hospitals when they have failed to commit to the money the NHS needs."

Secret plans to close Epsom and St Helier and build new super hospital overheard on train