Women in Public Life has new patron

The chief officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils found her accidental fame when a video of Handforth Parish Council’s Zoom meeting went viral, which saw her standing up to her male colleagues and removing them from the call when they undermined her authority.

‘Jackie Weaver has 25 years’ experience as a champion of grassroots democracy so we’re thrilled that we will be able to tap into her expertise and moral support as our patron,’ said Women in Public Life chairwoman Shelaine Green.

Women in Public Life inspires and supports the women of Guernsey to stand for a wide range of roles in public office.

Ms Weaver is keen to use her new platform to encourage more people, particularly women and young people, to get involved in local politics. During her visit to Guernsey, she gave talks in schools and entertained a packed theatre at the Performing Arts Centre for You Do Have The Authority! An Evening With Jackie Weaver, which was organised by Women in Public Life.

She was interviewed by Ms Green and then the evening featured a panel of women currently holding position in public office in Guernsey – Jurat Felicity Quevatre-Malcic, Deputy Tina Bury and douzenier Leonie Le Tissier.

‘I love seeing the energy and enthusiasm that Women in Public Life are putting into inspiring and supporting women in Guernsey to stand for public office,’ she said.

‘I’m very happy to become their patron and I am looking forward to being part of their journey as they travel from strength to strength.’