Jackie Weaver

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 1st February 2022

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate. Actually this week we welcome our first parish council-related icon (well, unless certain comics lead an unlikely double life).

It is, of course, Jackie Weaver, who became a household name back at the start of 2020 due to a Zoom council meeting nearly going wildly out of control, were it not for her wise, er, counsel. That shouty weirdness eventually proved an unlikely blessing, as the video went viral and Weaver became a popular guest on shows like The Last Leg, Have I Got News For You and Match Of The Day (one of these isn't true). And now she's bringing those chairwoman chops to the live stage.

This Sunday Weaver will be at fine London pub The Bedford presiding over two editions of The Comedians' Council, starring Isy Suttie, Ken Cheng and Glenn Moore (2pm), then Suzi Ruffell, Paul Sinha and Rosie Holt (6pm).

So, are comedians easier to handle than local councillors? "I can really only answer the first part of that after the first show," admits the honest broker. "However, the work I have been fortunate enough to do on telly with comedians makes me aware that they rarely follow the script!"

They will wander, that's true. And how is the new year shaping up, in her various capacities?

"2022 is shaping up well," she says, "I have an interesting mix of fun media appearances and contributions, and great invitations to speak to organisations and groups that have a real interest in what local democracy is, and how you can get involved in local councils.

"I've also got a number of opportunities already to specifically encourage the private sector and women particularly to get involved. For me this year is all about pushing diversity - and I don't mean down your throats!"

Matron! Jackie Weaver, your Random 8 await.

What was your childhood career dream?

To be a doctor - I was really good at sciences at school and love problem-solving, so being a doctor seemed like the ideal career choice.

Unfortunately that was back in 'the old days' and university grants were means tested - they tested the parents' income not the students of course - and those of you that have read my book You Do Have the Authority Here! will know that I did not have the best relationship with my parents, and the prospect of having them fund me through uni was just not going to work.

So ever pragmatic (even then) I got myself a place at the Wythenshaw teaching hospital in Manchester to train to be a nurse. Am I a nurse? Er, well no. Course didn't start for six months so I needed to get a job in the meantime and started working in computers and - yes, you guessed - never did take up nursing.

Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?

My husband - that's why I married him! Not sure I could name one person. Some people I have met have been interesting because they are different from me; some because they are passionate and energetic about their subject; some because they just seem like nice people who look for the best in us. We often look for the superlatives but for me the world would be a better place if more of us were just 'nice'.

Which low-key law would you introduce, to make life a bit better?

We must all keep an online public-facing diary showing that we have done one good deed a week. I
get to define what is a 'good deed' and if you fall below the standard set, then you have to litter-pick for a week or remove dog poo bags from the hedges.

But seriously, I think we have probably got too many laws, and really the last thing we need is to introduce yet another, particularly when it will rely upon us to self-police. So, yet again, we seem to 'punish' those who already follow the rules.

Which historical figure deserves more attention?

I don't do history! They say it is important and that we learn from it, but - if that is so - why did we have two World Wars? Why do we have societal structures where we have the very rich and the very poor? So - apart from providing entertaining reading - why bother? In these politically correct times I am afraid that questions like this tend to get the same politically correct answers.

What's your favourite device, ever?

The telly - where else do you get so much information and entertainment sent your way without you having to do anything more than manage the remote? I will watch pretty much anything that comes on, with the exception of: I don't watch any soaps (never have); documentaries (they always seem so biased); reality shows (what reality!) but anything else, count me in.

I have probably watched Poirot so often I know the lines; same with any Agatha Christie, I think. Then when it comes to films - sci fi; zombies; apocalypse - those are my favourites. However the device I could not live without is probably my phone. I think I do it a disservice to call it a phone.

The most memorable party/work event you ever went to?

The Local Government Chronicle awards evening - awesome. So many people coming together to celebrate another undervalued strata of public service - our local government officers. We may complain about them but ultimately do you want to empty your own bin?

The LGC Team very kindly invited me to join them at their table and I had a very small part to play - just giving an award, but the welcome the room gave me when I stepped up onto the stage brought me to tears. Such a powerful moment for me, particularly when I felt that I was among 'family'.

Is there a book or film that changed your life?

Love Pretty Woman, despite what the critics say about it being a dark story about prostitution. I prefer to see it romantically as a Cinderella story. I love the line where, when asked what she would do when her prince rescued her, she said she would 'rescue him right back'. Isn't that love? You may not be equal in the eyes of 'society' but you are equal to each other?

What's the best word or phrase in the English language?

'No thank you' - we don't use it often enough!

Not a defensive 'no', not a harsh rebuttal but a simple statement that you do not want something or you are unable to do it. Respect for both parties. I think most of us know what it is like to be overwhelmed with work or commitments, and we get there because we have been uncomfortable about saying 'no'.

But these days much is spoken about mental health and the importance of protecting it - my take on this is that part of that protection would be making sure that we do not always put others' needs ahead of our own.

The Comedians' Council is at The Bedford, Balham, on Sunday 6th Feb, at 2pm and 6pm. Info & Tickets