Lindsay Lohan responds after Tory MP claims Kettering council were unable to contact her to switch on Christmas lights
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lindsay Lohan has said she will try to turn on the Christmas lights in Kettering after a Conservative MP claimed efforts made to secure the particularly high-profile guest appearance had proved unsuccessful.
Philip Hollobone MP told the BBC multiple efforts had been made to reach the Mean Girls actress to confirm she will switch on the lights in the town at the end of November.
The arrangement was initially made after Lohan emerged as a passionate Remainer while live-tweeting the results of the EU referendum. In one particularly memorable tweet she directed her frustration towards the town for voting to leave in a majority vote: “Sorry, but #KETTERING where are you?”
Kettering's MP Mr Hollobone was not pleased. He branded Lohan’s tweet “fierce and offensive”, accusing her of “slagging off” the town in Parliament. He also asked Chris Grayling to support his request for the actress to turn on the market town’s Christmas lights this year - an offer Lohan then appeared to accept.
But on Thursday, the MP told the BBC: “Despite everyone's best efforts, it’s simply not possible to track her down” and said the council’s attempts at securing her for the much-anticipated local event have been unsuccessful.
In response, a representative for the 30-year-old told The Independent: “We heard from the council for the first time late yesterday afternoon. Any claims from Phillip Hollobone that he tried to get in touch with her by official means are completely unfounded.
“Lindsay will be there if her schedule allows."
A spokesperson for the council clarified “efforts were made in the public arena” to contact Lohan but the limited resources available to the council meant they struggled to find the best official contact for her.
They confirmed contact was made on Thursday and apologised for the misunderstanding.
Mr Hollobone told The Independent it was “great news” that contact between the two parties had now been made. He said: “Everyone understands that Lindsay Lohan is a world famous actress and busy person […] clearly, if she makes time from her busy schedule to attend everyone in Kettering and across the UK would regard her as a really good sport”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments