Green Party candidate Zoe Garbett has been elected as the Mayor of Hackney, securing 46.8% of the vote in a historic defeat for Labour in the local elections on Thursday, May 7. This marks the first time Labour has lost the mayoralty since the position was created in 2002.
Election Results
Garbett received 35,720 votes, defeating incumbent Labour Mayor Caroline Woodley by a majority of 8,855 votes, with a turnout of 40.98%. The result represents a swing of 29.8% from the 2022 elections. Hackney is one of five London boroughs with a directly-elected mayor, and Labour had previously won every contest since the post was established.
Voter Message
Speaking after the declaration, Garbett said: "The fightback starts now. Across London and the country, people have made it clear that they are desperate for an alternative to this failing Labour government. This is about a system of fear versus a movement of hope." She added: "Hackney voters have said loud and clear that they are sick of politicians who put profit before our planet, for supporting genocide and letting down so many people who are struggling. I don't want to tweak around the edges. I'm going to change the system. The people of Hackney own Hackney, and it's time to take it back."
Reaction from Labour
Mayor Woodley congratulated her opponent and acknowledged the defeat, stating: "To Zoe, you've shown great determination and resilience, and I know you have the support of the council to continue the good work we have done as a liberal administration." She thanked council officers, Labour colleagues, family members, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and the Labour government for housing investment, the Renters Rights Act, and increasing the minimum wage.
Other Candidates
Conservative candidate Tareke Gregg finished third with 6,345 votes, followed by Liberal Democrat Eva Steinhardt in fourth place, and Reform UK's Vahid Almasi in last place.
Impact on Council Control
The full council ward results are yet to be declared, but the Greens are expected to make substantial gains across the borough. Labour currently holds a large majority with 43 out of 57 seats, but the scale of the swing suggests they may lose control of the council for the first time in decades. Green Party leader Zack Polanski called the result an "historic victory" and said it proves "the end of two-party politics."
This was Garbett's third attempt to become Mayor, following runs in 2022 and a by-election in 2023, where she was beaten by Woodley. Local elections expert Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics had described Hackney as the Green Party's "number one hope" in London. The ward election results for Hackney Council are expected later today, with the first declarations due around 2:30pm.
