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“You have no authority here Jackie Weaver, no authority at all.”
“Read the standing orders – read them and understand them!”
Already these lines uttered by furious councillors at a tiny virtual parish meeting in Cheshire have become as legendary as the words of Winston Churchill or Shakespeare.
But it’s not just the planning and environment committee of Handforth Parish Council where voices are raised and the formality of democracy descends into chaos.
Greater Manchester - and Oldham in particular - has seen its fair share of bizarre council outbursts across its ten town halls over the years.
It may not be what the ancient Greeks had in mind, but reporters have been witness to slanging matches, police officers called into council chambers, shaken fists and swear words.
Tantrums, tears and bitter accusations - Greater Manchester s worst council meeting rows
How local democracy can often result in tempers flaring
Updated
Footage of Handforth Parish Council went viral after members angrily refused to accept the authority of clerk Jackie Weaver (Image: PA)
The astonishing outbursts from members of Handforth Parish Council shone a light on the sometimes volatile nature of local democracy.
A hostile meeting went viral after councillors verbally savaged Jackie Weaver.
Ms Weaver, who is chief executive of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, had been called in to act as clerk - or proper officer - to the meeting.