Jackie Weaver has the authority to turn on Handforth's Christmas lights
The internet sensation will kickstart the town's festive celebrations later this month
Last updated 3rd Nov 2021
It's been confirmed internet sensation Jackie Weaver will turn on Handforth's Christmas lights later this month.
A video recording of the December Handforth Parish Council meeting gained more than six million views after being published on Twitter in February.
The meeting also made the stand-in clerk Jackie Weaver a household name when then-chairman Brian Tolver's remark she had "no authority here" became a meme.
The now-famous Ms Weaver is no longer acting as clerk but will kick start the town's festive celebrations on November 27th.
Name change to move on from viral row
The council has also changed its name to move away from its "toxic" past.
Since the meeting, two councillors have resigned while Mr Tolver has relinquished his chairman duties, but remains a councillor.
New chairman John Smith said the council had been renamed Handforth Town Council because they wanted to "move away from the toxic side of Handforth".
Mr Smith said: "We have a new name and three new councillors and along with the other remaining councillors are committed to improving Handforth.
"We are also moving away from the viral, toxic Handforth Parish Council as portrayed on YouTube and are leaving it behind."
He also explained how the move was down to feeling among councillors that Handforth residents would identify more with a secular-sounding name as opposed to the religious connotations of "parish".
He said: "Many residents have understandably believed that Handforth Parish Council is in some way attached to the church. For those of a certain age, the Vicar of Dibley comes to mind."