Two Hamilton Corporation insiders have questioned whether former Councillor Graeme Outerbridge resigned of his own free will or was forced out.

Last week, Mr. Outerbridge resigned from his position citing his unwillingness to be a 'trial horse' for an investigation led by the Corporation Secretary Kelly Miller into whether or not he qualified as a bona fide tenant.

Earlier this year, Ms Miller opened an investigation after former Deputy Mayor Bill Black alleged that both Mr. Outerbridge and Alderman David Dunkley were not bona fide tenants of the city and therefore should not be Corporation members.

Mr. Black had claimed that according to the Municipalities Act 1923, Corporation Members had to be "beneficial occupants" of a valuation unit, which he claimed, Mr. Dunkley and Mr. Outerbridge were not.

Last night, two Corporation insiders said they understood that investigation was complete and that Mr. Outerbridge had received a letter last week, before his announcement in this paper, advising him that he did not meet these conditions and did not qualify as a city voter.

According to the sources, who did not wish to be identified, Mr. Dunkley had also received a letter on Friday to this effect.

Mr. Dunkley was unavailable for comment last night, but Mr. Outerbridge outright denies receiving a letter from Ms Miller before resigning and said he just grew tired of waiting for a decision on his eligibility.

He said: "I was never given a letter where the Secretary gave her findings. I resigned before that happened."

Mr. Outerbridge claims that about ten days before he resigned, he, Mr. Dunkley, Mr. Black and Ms Miller all met for an "update".

The former Councillor said that in this meeting he learned further legal advice was being sought and he decided he would no longer wait for the decision.

He added: "I was tired of being the tennis ball. She said there was other aspects of the law, but wasn't sure what that was going to find. One way or another I took it in my own hands to end it for myself."

Mr. Outerbridge said he was never told for a fact whether he would have to step down to re-register to stand for election or whether he could do it while still a Councillor.

Finally, he decided resigning would be the best course.

And he intends to re-register and stand for election in an upcoming poll for his now vacant position and that of former common councillor George Grundmuller, who stepped down in February.