Hackney residents get new civic Speaker: what residents need to know

Councillor Antoinette Fernandez has been appointed as the new Speaker of Hackney, taking on the borough’s ceremonial and public-facing civic duties for the new council administration.

Hackney Council confirmed the appointment this week at its Annual General Meeting. Cllr Fernandez represents Lea Bridge ward and was elected to the council in May 2026.

She will be supported by Councillor Nisa Sharif, who has been announced as Deputy Speaker of Hackney for 2026-2027.

Council duties for the new Speaker

The Speaker of Hackney chairs full Council meetings and represents the borough at civic events. The role also includes welcoming visitors to Hackney and presiding over citizenship ceremonies.

The position is separate from day-to-day political leadership and is focused on public duties, civic representation and formal council proceedings. For residents, the Speaker is often one of the most visible figures at borough ceremonies, community events and official receptions.

Lea Bridge councillor with creative-sector links

Cllr Fernandez has lived in Hackney for almost two decades. Before taking up the Speaker role, she worked in the creative sector, including the film industry and the art world.

In a statement, she said she moved to Hackney nearly 20 years ago because it was one of the few places in London that supported creatives. She described the borough as a community shaped by people from across the globe.

“As Speaker I look forward to advocating for and representing all that our brilliant borough represents,” Cllr Fernandez said.

Charities selected for the civic year

Each year, the Speaker chooses charitable causes to support through fundraising and attendance at events.

For 2026-2027, Cllr Fernandez has selected the Claudia Jones Organisation, Justice4Windrush and Tree Musketeers. The causes point to a civic programme covering community support, justice for Windrush communities and local environmental work.

The new Deputy Speaker, Cllr Nisa Sharif, will assist Cllr Fernandez across the Speaker’s public and ceremonial commitments during the civic year.

Source: Hackney Council