Despite no plans being made for a borough council by-election, UKIP has announced its candidates should one be held.

County councillors Mike Baldock and Lee Burgess would be put forward to stand in Swale’s Woodstock ward, currently represented by Cllrs Alan and Jean Willicombe (Con).

The couple moved to Lincolnshire last October, sparking calls from fellow representatives to step down. However, they have vowed to keep their positions as they they can still perform their duties from their new home.

They further argue that holding a by-election in a ward due to disappear in 2015 boundary changes would be a waste of public money. The couple continue to claim a basic allowance of £4,737 each, plus 42.9p a mile costs for attending meetings.

Although Swale council says there are no plans for a snap by-election, Cllr Baldock said: “The excuse given by Swale council’s administration is that it would be too expensive to hold a by-election, which is something that’s been echoed by [council leader] Cllr Andrew Bowles.

“But one could be held at no extra cost if it was organised in conjunction with the European elections in May.” At January’s full meeting of Swale council, the Willicombe issue was referred to the general purposes committee.

It was raised by Labour leader Cllr Mike Haywood on the grounds that, while there is a residential qualification to stand, there is no such requirement to serve the term of office locally.

The matter was then sent to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles for guidance on future policies. Cllr Baldock and Cllr Burgess are due to stand in areas currently covered by Woodstock in the 2015 council elections.

Cllr Baldock said neither he nor Cllr Burgess would accept their allowance, if they were to win a potential by-election, until next year’s vote. He has issued a rallying call for his rivals to take UKIP’s lead. He said: “We would ask that other parties are willing to make a similar commitment in order to return democracy to the people of Woodstock without any cost to the council.”

Cllr Bowles said: “Alan and Jean Willicombe have given no indication to me that they are about to walk away. They have attended council meetings twice since Christmas and have been attending to ward matters. Nobody can call a by-election other than the Willicombes if they decide to resign.

“The more I look at it, the more this looks like a stunt by UKIP.”