Local elections are scheduled for Thursday, May 7, and the borough of Hackney in north-east London will not only elect councillors but also a mayor to lead the council.
The mayor plays a crucial role, presiding over the council cabinet, guiding the council’s strategic direction, and establishing the budget.
Every area within Hackney will participate in the mayoral vote.
Historically, Hackney has only had Labour mayors, but the upcoming election raises the question: could the borough shift from a Labour to a Green leadership?
Two candidates are contesting the election: Zoë Garbett from the Green Party and the incumbent Labour mayor, Caroline Woodley.
The mayor holds substantial authority over local services, including housing—encompassing regeneration projects and affordable housing initiatives—planning, and waste management.
Additionally, the mayor selects a cabinet composed of elected councillors who are assigned specific responsibilities, such as finance, community safety, and children’s services.
Key Issues in the Mayoral Race
Like many London boroughs, Hackney features both affluent neighborhoods and areas in need of greater support. Both candidates recognize that the cost of living is the primary concern for voters.
Garbett emphasizes that housing is a significant issue raised during her conversations with residents. „Mainly it comes up on the doorstep in terms of housing, whether that’s people who live in a housing association block,“ she stated. „I’ve heard people say that their service charge has increased to a level where it makes it unaffordable for them—and they’re saying, ‘well if I can’t afford to live here, where can I live?’“
Woodley, on the other hand, asserts that the „number one thing“ she hears from constituents is „just the cost of everything.“ She noted, „So seeing the national minimum wage go up, living wage go up, seeing more employment rights brought in, seeing energy bills being supported, the lifting of the two-child benefit cap—this is the moment when people start to feel the difference that Labour made.“
Community Concerns and Candidate Perspectives
Residents have expressed their primary concerns regarding community facilities, youth services, and road closures.
Garbett believes that where the Green Party has gained representation, there is a desire for further Green leadership. „They see how hard we work and see our values. But of course that comes within a context of people looking for an alternative and feeling like the Labour Party has left them,“ she remarked.
In response, Woodley adopted a combative stance, stating, „Bring it on, bring it on. I think, why would Zack Polanski choose Hackney—a progressive council, one of the most progressive councils in the country—rather than go after Reform? There’s an opportunity here; I think it’s quite a cynical one.“
As the election approaches, the dynamics between the candidates and their differing visions for Hackney will be closely watched by the electorate.
