The chairman of Handforth Parish Council who famously told national treasure Jackie Weaver that she “had no authority here” before she booted him off a Zoom meeting in February, has quit his position.
Brian Tolver, 74, made headlines back in February after one of the council’s Zoom meetings descended into absolute chaos – with raised voices, hysterical laughter, endless complaints, passive aggressive behaviour, and swearing councillors trading insults left, right and centre – and went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube and social media.
During the meeting, he coined the infamous catchphrase that took over the world when he told stand-in clerk Jackie Weaver she had “no authority here”.
Many will remember Jackie then used her authority to remove Mr Tolver from the meeting.
i’ve never missed in person meetings more than i did watching this parish council meeting descend into chaos pic.twitter.com/I75zi1fIK5
And now, despite Jackie Weaver having recently apologised for losing “my cool” and insisting that he was right in that meeting, Mr Tolver resigned from his position during a meeting on 20th April.
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He did not provide a reason as to why.
Councillor John Smith asked the chairman whether he was quitting his role at the parish council after claims Mr Tolver told a reporter from The Economist via an email exchange that Handforth Parish Council should not exist and was supporting the proposal of a merger with neighbouring Wilmslow.
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Cllr Smith said: “You mentioned an email exchange between yourself and the reporter from The Economist and his actual quote was ‘do you believe that Handforth Parish Council should exist’ and you replied ‘of course not that is what this is all about’, so I think that is unequivocal where you stand”.
Mr Tolver said he did not recall exchanging any emails and after more back and forth, Cllr Smith repeated his question, saying: “The question was will you resign from your position as chair, as you don’t want Handforth Parish Council to exist?”
Mr Tolver replied: “I intend to resign as chair, but not for that reason.”
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When asked when he intends to formally tend his resignation and leave the position, the chairman said “at the end of this meeting”.
Featured Image – Handforth Parish Council
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There’s a FREE Children in Need event coming to MediaCityUK
Thomas Melia
An all-new and completely free to enjoy Children in Need event is making its way to MediaCityUK later this November, and it’s bringing along some iconic brands.
Everyone’s favourite yellow bear is returning to Manchester to take over MediaCityUK and rename it Pudsey’s Piazza for one night only.
Pudsey Bear is heading down to MediaCityUK and he’s bringing all the best activities, games, famous food, live music and more for four hours of FREE family-oriented fun.
You can expect to see Pudsey and the team alongside a whole host of celebrities, brand partners and lots of friends when Children in Need hosts its celebration later this November.
Some of the brands which have been announced include staple high street bakery Greggs, a collaboration between McDonald’s and its sports counterpart, Fun Football UK.
DJ AG is just one of the special guests preparing to take over MediaCityUK this November for Children in Need (Credit: Supplied)
Also joining the bill is viral TikTok potato-loving duo Spud Bros, who will be serving up their famed jacket potatoes with an array of fillings to choose from inside their recognisable big red van.
Greggs will be bringing a huge double-decker bus to Pudsey’s Piazza at MediaCityUK with treats on hand throughout this evening celebration, as well as interactive games for you to play.
You’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of a replica Red Arrows jet, which will be situated on the piazza all night long courtesy of aerial experts Royal Air Force.
If that wasn’t enough for you, your night will be soundtracked by the one and only viral nomad music maker DJ AG, who’ll be playing out tunes as part of a charity livestream at the bandstand.
MediaCityUK is the home of BBC Children in Need, so it’s only fitting that Pudsey would throw one of his biggest parties yet right here in Greater Manchester.
Pudsey and his friends are transforming MediaCityUK into Pudsey’s Piazza on Friday, 14 November from 4pm to 8pm, and they’re encouraging anyone to come along, especially since it’s FREE.
Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/Supplied
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Adventurous cat caught taking a train from Yorkshire to Manchester Airport
Daisy Jackson
Train conductors have reunited an adventurous senior cat with her owners after she was caught taking a train all the way to Manchester Airport.
15-year-old Angel was discovered on board an hour-long TransPennine Express service from West Yorkshire to the airport.
The black-and-white moggy had been strolling along the train making friends with passengers on board, following conductor Will Saunders through the carriages.
It turns out Angel is something of a local legend in Brighouse, and has been caught riding rail replacement buses in the past too, as well as making herself at home in the local pub.
On this occasion, she fancied herself a little holiday and hopped on board the 3.55am service from Brighouse to Manchester Airport.
Will kept a close eye on the gorgeous cat all the way to Manchester Airport, where they settled her into a cardboard box at the station.
Will then took Angel home to Stockport for the night to keep her safe, later discovering a phone number on Angel’s collar.
He and his partner then drove Angel all the way back home to Brighouse.
Will Saunders, conductor at TPE, said: “As a cat lover myself, I couldn’t leave her to fend for herself. She was so calm and confident on the train – it was like she’d done it before!
“I’m just glad we could keep her safe and get her back home. She’s clearly a much-loved cat.”
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE, added: “Our teams are used to helping customers reach their destinations, but this was definitely one of our more unusual passengers.
“We’re just glad we could make sure this adventurous feline made it home safely.”
Now back where she belongs, Angel’s tale shows that even the most curious traveller can count on TPE to help them land on their paws.
Emily Sergeant -
27th April 2021 
