Independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr does not meet the legal requirement of a New York resident and therefore cannot be on the state’s election ballot, a judge has ruled.

Kennedy’s claim of a New York address as his “place of residence” on nominating petitions was a “false statement”, said Judge Christina Ryba.

“Given the size and appearance of the spare bedroom as shown in the photographs admitted into evidence, the Court finds Kennedy’s testimony that he may return to that bedroom to reside with his wife, family members, multiple pets, and all of his personal belongings to be highly improbable, if not preposterous,” the judge wrote.

As a result, the petitions were considered invalid. Mr Kennedy has rejected the judge’s ruling and vows to appeal.