A KINSON councillor will be splitting his time between Bournemouth and Manchester following a change in his personal circumstances.

Kinson representative Cllr Norman Decent has said that while he is “committed” to his post, he will be planning for his future having “found love again” with his ex-wife.

He told the Daily Echo: “Like many over the last 18 months, I found myself supporting a family member, my ex-wife who lives outside the BCP area, during lockdown.

“Unexpectedly, we have found love again and intend to get remarried.

“This is a lovely outcome of a very difficult time and while we plan for our long term, I will split my time between Bournemouth and her as we find our feet and plan for our future.

“In the meantime, I am committed to my ward and council work and attend most meetings. As always, I continue to be available to my residents and welcome hearing from them.”

However, former BCP Council leader Vikki Slade expressed concern that Cllr Decent's new situation could compromise his position.

She said: “We know that quite a few councillors do not live in the ward they represent, often because of a house move during their term but if it is true, and he has moved hundreds of miles away, I believe that he should do the right thing and resign his seat so someone else can represent the needs of the local community.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Electoral Commission rules set the criteria by which individuals are eligible to stand as local councillors. These require a candidate to either be on the electoral register at the time of the nomination, or to have occupied land/property, resided or worked within the local authority area for which they propose to stand, for at least 12 months prior to the election.

“Once elected, failure to continue to meet these criteria does not disqualify a councillor. However, all councillors must legally attend at least one meeting every six months unless the full Council approves a period of absence, typically on grounds of ill-health. This is set down in law and not at the discretion of the council to alter.”

Regarding the situation with Cllr Decent, the spokesperson added: “BCP Council Democratic Services have not had notice that Councillor Decent has moved. He last attended full council on June 22 2021 in the Solent Hall at the BIC.”