Countersignatory question: using very distant relatives?

[usa2uk]

I am British by descent and applying for my first adult British passport. I am having difficulty finding a countersignatory. I've moved a lot, lost contact with professors, and don't have professional friends except one who feels uncomfortable photocopying her US passport (required for non-British countersigs).

I want to use my husband's uncle's wife who was a teacher in Hong Kong before she retired.

I can also use my mom's cousin's husband who is a principal in Canada.

Or I can use my dad's ex wife who was not my step mother and never lived with me. She is british and I have met her many times.

Are any of the above non-blood "relatives" distant enough to not be related through "marriage"?

I greatly appreciate any help or advice. This step is by far the most stressful for me because it's looking like I might have to just postpone my application for a passport until I get to know more people in my new city.

[CR001]

uncomfortable photocopying her US passport (required for non-British countersigs).

Where in the guidance does it say you need this?

[usa2uk]

uncomfortable photocopying her US passport (required for non-British countersigs).

Where in the guidance does it say you need this?

I hope you're right! I'm going to look this up again. I did a massive amount of searching yesterday and happened across something that said this... I will verify it and post.

The other question I have is what do they mean by "related by marriage?" I know the spouses of my cousins once removed would sign for me.


EDIT:

I just received this email from the passport office.

Dear Ms XXXX,

Thank you for your enquiry.

If you have recently moved address or started your new place of work, and have not known anyone for a period of 2 years, you must obtain a countersignature from a person who has known them the longest and fits the criteria and enclose a signed statement explaining the circumstances. Upon receipt of the application the examiner will advise if any further information is required.

Countersignatory's are not required to send a copy of their passport, as long they have supplied all of the necessary information that your declaration form will request from them i.e. passport number etc.