A KENDAL woman who now lives in France has been left unable to vote in her local election in which her husband is running for town mayor - because of Brexit.

Caroline Yeadon-Untereiner would have been voting for the first time on Sunday March 15.

However due to the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union she will not be allowed to vote.

Caroline, who lives in the French village of Reding near Lorraine, said: “It’s just a bit surprising.

“I got my new voting card, then a week later I received a letter telling me I was unable to vote as a consequence of Brexit.

"I knew Brexit would affect me, I hoped it would keep the status quo."

Caroline, 38, was informed that according to article 127 of the withdrawal treaty, her eligibility to either stand or vote in any French elections has been withdrawn during the two year transitional period.

The article says 'European citizens right to vote and eligibility to stand in elections, does not apply to the UK during the two year transition period’.

Her husband, Alexis Untereiner, will be running for town mayor during this election.

Caroline was educated in Cartmel Primary school and Lancaster and Morecambe College. She is currently an English language teacher and dental technician.

She first came to France when she was 17.

However, due to the length of time Caroline has been in France, she would also be unable to vote in the UK as well.

“I have never been allowed to vote in French general elections, I accept that," she said.

"However, local elections have more meaning for us and I cannot vote in my own.

“It is difficult for my husband, he is standing for mayor and his wife cannot vote for him.

“It is all very sad really, I came to France 20 years ago because it was so easy. It was like moving cities in the UK. No boundaries. No problems.

“It is probably worse for the people of Britain. I feel less and less British and I don’t recognise the people there anymore.

“It’s a real shock this has happened."

Caroline and Alexis are parents to Andri, four.

Her father John Yeadon said: “I am furious. Beyond furious.

“I find this whole thing beyond belief, but then again there is no cure for stupidity.

“I don’t know precisely what will happen in regard to visas.

"When I have travelled to France, Germany and Belgium there has never been any problems.

"It seems so strange to just do away with it all now.

“Most countries might feel a bit deserted by Brexit as some are very pro-British."