Hackney residents meet the new Green team for housing and safety
Hackney Mayor Zoë Garbett has confirmed the first appointments to her new Cabinet, establishing the leadership structure that will govern the borough following the Green Party’s victory in the 2026 local elections. The selection of the new executive team marks the beginning of a different administrative approach for the council, focusing on housing security, community safety, and economic inclusion.
The appointments follow the Hackney’s first Green Party mayor being elected last week, a result that shifted the political landscape of East London. With the Green Party now holding overall control of the Council, the new Cabinet is tasked with delivering on campaign promises regarding social justice and environmental priorities while managing the borough’s substantial annual budget and long-term strategy.
New leadership roles in Hackney government
Mayor Garbett has chosen to personally oversee several high-profile portfolios. Her direct responsibilities will include community safety and policing, domestic violence prevention, and anti-poverty action. By retaining these areas within the Mayor’s office, the administration indicates a hands-on approach to tackling the borough’s most pressing social challenges and hate crime incidents.
Cllr Dylan Law has been named as the Statutory Deputy Mayor. Law will hold the critical responsibility for housing, a portfolio that includes the management and repair of council-owned properties. His role also extends to oversight of the private rented sector and housing affordability, areas that have seen significant pressure due to rising costs across London. The appointment of a dedicated Deputy Mayor for housing reflects the central role that residential stability plays in the new administration’s platform.
Focus on housing affordability and community safety
The Cabinet includes several experienced councillors who will manage specific local service areas. Cllr Florence Schechter will take charge of Finance, Resident Services, and Digital. This role is essential for the borough’s fiscal health and the modernization of how residents interact with council services online.
Economic development will be split between two key portfolios. Cllr Alastair Binnie-Lubbock will lead on Regeneration, Planning, and Inclusive Neighbourhoods, while Cllr Rachel Nkiessu-Guifo has been appointed as the Cabinet member for Inclusive Economy, Skills, High Streets, and Markets. These roles are designed to ensure that Hackney’s commercial growth benefits local workers and maintains the character of its traditional high streets.
Cabinet portfolios for local services and economy
The welfare of younger residents and the borough’s cultural identity are also represented in the initial team. Cllr Soraya Adejare will lead on Children, Young People, and Early Intervention, focusing on social care and support services for families.
Cllr Sam Mathys will manage the Culture, Leisure, Nightlife, and Licensing portfolio. This is a particularly sensitive role in Hackney, where the thriving late-night economy in areas like Shoreditch and Dalston must be balanced with the needs of local residents. The administration has also appointed two Deputy Cabinet members to focus on specific vulnerabilities:
- Cllr Laura-Louise Fairley: Tasked with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Support.
- Cllr Abi Kingston: Responsible for Homelessness Prevention and Temporary Accommodation.
Timeline for council meeting and further appointments
These initial appointments are the first stage in forming the full executive team. The Mayor has indicated that additional names will be released in the coming days to complete the leadership structure. The confirmed Cabinet members are scheduled to be formally presented at the Council’s Annual Meeting on May 28, 2026.
Mayor Garbett stated that the team was selected for its deep roots in the borough and its ability to reflect the diversity of the local community. The new administration will now begin the process of reviewing existing council strategies to align them with the Green Party’s mandate for change in Hackney. Residents can expect the first detailed policy proposals to emerge following the formal inauguration of the Cabinet later this month.
Source: Hackney Council
