Questions have been raised over councillor Tristan Robinson's eligibility to stand in the up-coming elections after he moved out of the borough to live with his girlfriend in London.

Residents say Cllr Robinson has been deceitful about where he lives and should not be allowed to stand in next month’s local elections in Sherborne St John for the Conservative party because he has not been living at the address listed on election documents.

The Electoral Commission states that candidates standing at local election must meet one of four qualifying criteria, which includes living in the local authority area during the whole of the 12 months before the election.

The other criteria are being registered as a local government elector; occupying land or other premises in the local authority area for 12 months before the elections; and working in the local authority area for 12 months before he elections.

When asked by the Gazette about moving out of the borough, the 29-year-old admitted that he had been living with his girlfriend in London during the last lockdown for three months.

In a statement sent to the Gazette, he added: “In the November lockdown, like many young people in a long-term relationship but living in separate households, I was faced with the prospect of not seeing my partner for a significant period of time due to winter lockdown.

“Given the fact all council meetings were being held virtually, I chose to stay with my girlfriend who currently lives in London and continue to fulfil my duties as the elected representative for Sherborne St John.

“At all times, I have continued with my main residence in Sherfield-on-Loddon, in the borough I’ve been proud to call home since I was born in Basingstoke hospital.

“In the past few months, my girlfriend and I have viewed houses in the borough, including one in my ward at Ramsdell.”

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