Poll: 74% of readers want councillor Tristan Robinson to stand down

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

According to neighbours, Mr Robinson has not lived at his parents address in Sherborne St John for "several years". 

Mr Robinson told the Gazette said he had only been living with his girlfriend in London for the last three months.

Residents say Cllr Robinson has been deceitful and should not be allowed to stand in next week’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.

READ MORE: Tristan Robinson 'hasn't lived in the borough for years'

One reader expressed their opinion online, writing: “Yep, he should withdraw. It's about time we started to get some honesty and integrity back into politics, both locally and nationally. It's all got too complacent, dishonest, too much evasion, misinformation and manipulation, and most of all too much arrogance. These people are there to serve us, not for us to serve them (as they seem to believe).

“Whatever party they represent. We deserve better, should expect better and above all, demand better. They continue to lie, obfuscate, deceive, manipulate and misinform brazenly now, no attempt even to hide it.

“Why? Because we let them and while we do that, they will continue to bring politics, the country and themselves into disrepute.

“Councillors need to remember, they represent the community, not just some, not just those they see as influential to their careers or interests, but everyone. Their priority should be the community, not what Central government dictates.

“Basingstoke deserves decency, integrity, transparency and respect.”

But whilst many thought Cllr Robinson should stand down, others came to his defence.

Cllr Tristan Robinson, right, pictured canvassing in March 2021 in Basingstoke after travelling down from London (Credit: Facebook/ Tristan Robinson)

One reader wrote: "He lived all his life in Basingstoke, still lives in Basingstoke, wants to serve Basingstoke, and because he locked down with his girlfriend (not a spouse) for a few months during Covid then we vilify him? We suck."

In a statement sent to the Gazette, the 29-year-old said: “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.”

Do you think Councillor Robinson should stand down?