A Conservative couple who caused uproar after announcing they would continue as councillors despite moving 147-miles away have remained defiant.

Former Swale mayor and mayoress, Alan and Jean Willicombe, have set up home in Lincolnshire after their house in Sittingbourne sold quicker than expected.

The KM Group broke the story last week and it prompted angry comments online and was reported nationally.

Opposition politicians called for them to stand down and questioned how they can represent constituents in their Woodstock ward.

But Mr Willicombe says he and his wife have no intention of changing their position and even said people have contacted them to lend support.

They say they will come back to attend meetings, something they could claim for at a minimum of 42.9p per mile on top of the basic allowance of more than £4,737 each they get.

Last week, they defended their decision, saying it’s pointless to pay for a by-election when the ward will disappear as part of boundary changes for the 2015 elections.

“We’ve had a few comments by email, but apart from that most people have been quite supportive,” Mr Willicombe said. “I’m going to carry on as I said I would.”