citizenship help

[confused25]

Hi, i am british, my partner is not. He has held ilr for nearly one year. Before that he had a 2 year flr as unmarried partner. Before that we were living together in uk for 2 years, he was on a working holiday visa.
When can we apply for the next step? It is so difficult to do anything on the current passport.
Reading the guidlines regarding naturalisation, they are worded so that they may apply to unmarried partners and may or may not include time spent on a whm. But I would like to be sure.

Does the 2 years on working holiday count towards the full 5 years before naturalisation? If not - why not? (especially as spousal citizenship includes time spent on that visa or holiday visas to the uk)

Or can we apply on the basis of our relationship and being resident in the uk for the last 3 years? Without getting married... (we want it to be on our own terms/choice/place)
To get this must we marry?
how long must we be married before this is an option?

The solicitor we used for the ilr and flr lost the letter from the home office (regarding the ilr) but we have the passport proving identity/proof of residency in the uk) Will this be a problem?

Also referees... am i correct in thinking that a referee can Not be related to either of us?
The refereee must Not have a criminal record/convictions/driving licence points/court cases?
If we use a teacher as a referee - does it matter if they are unqualified/working as a subsistute teacher? Or would they not be a good choice?

Would local council employees (I.E from the recycling section) count as referees?

We meet the other requirements.
Thanks

[vinny]

Unfortunately, unmarried partners need to satisfy the standard requirements.

See also Intriguing Naturalisation Question.

If you marry a British citizen before the naturalisation application, then you you need to meet the requirements for spouses and civil partners.