Surrey-born Emily Thornberry and the local MP Chris Grayling were among the VIPs celebrating Emily Davison’s legacy on women at Epsom Racecourse last week.

120 guests gathered for a glittering reception in the Queen’s Stand on October 12 to mark the famous suffragette’s 146th birthday, according to organisers.

Co-organiser Dr Subo Emanuel said: “Mr Grayling, our local MP and transport minister, was really supportive of the event.

“The event was welcomed by both the Mayor of Epsom Cllr Neil Dallen and Mr Grayling.”

Dr Emanuel said the event was mostly organised by her daughter Ella, a 16-year old six former at Nonsuch School.

The shadow secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs Emily Thornberry, the entrepreneur Kavita Oberoi and the TV presenter Charlotte Hawkins discussed the progress made by women in the fight for gender equality in a panel discussion.

The evening ended with a short extract by Joanne Hartstone from her play That Darling Australian Girl, which celebrates the achievements Australian suffragette Muriel Matters.

Dr Emanuel said: “In the one hundred years since women were given the vote and the beginnings of a more equal role in society, they have come a long way.

“Women need to celebrate their successes and be inspired by each other, to continue in their own individual fields to create a better, brighter more inclusive world for everyone, women and men alike.”