Hackney's new Green Mayor, Zoe Garbett, has challenged the previous administration's 'clinical' approach to measuring success, urging residents to hold her administration accountable. At the first full council meeting since the Greens' historic landslide victory in May's local elections, Garbett declared she was 'determined to do things differently' as her party took control of the council for the first time.
New Direction for Hackney
In her maiden speech as executive leader, Garbett encouraged residents to share ideas on how to 'fix what's broken' and make the borough more affordable. 'We don't want an administration clinically delivered based on KPIs,' she said. 'The metric of success is what people feel and experience in their day-to-day lives. To make that possible, we need to be right there beside you as partners, mutually learning and learning together.'
The new Mayor also hinted at reversing constitutional changes introduced by the previous Labour administration, which she and other opposition councillors had criticized as a 'blatant power grab' that stifled scrutiny. The council had argued the reforms aimed to make meetings shorter and more efficient.
Worker-Led Administration
Garbett confirmed her manifesto plans for a 'worker-led administration' and refreshing terms between the council and its employees after meeting with trade unions. Her new cabinet team has been officially approved by Hackney's 40 Green councillors, most of whom are first-time councillors.
The Greens' landslide overturned Labour's long-held control, delivering 42 council seats. However, two seats remain vacant: one because Garbett won the mayoralty and another due to an ineligible candidate. Double by-elections for Dalston and Hackney Central wards are scheduled for June 25.
Opposition Response
Labour, now the main opposition with nine seats, is led by Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, former deputy mayor. She congratulated Garbett but warned of 'tough decisions ahead.' 'We will be here to ensure we hold you to account. When you do well, we'll absolutely welcome it. But when you don't, we will be on your heels,' Bramble said, adding that the Greens' 'blank canvas is built on a Labour legacy.'
Conservative group leader Cllr Simche Steinberger said, 'We'll continue to be the opposition because the government is still Labour.'
Priorities and Actions
Garbett reaffirmed priorities including improving the council's housing repairs service and 'getting the basics right.' On May 21, she launched the 'Who Owns Hackney' campaign to investigate building usage and reclaim spaces for public benefit. More projects are expected 'in the coming days and weeks.'
New Speaker Cllr Antoinette Fernandez and Deputy Speaker Cllr Nisa Sharif were elected. The deadline for by-election candidate nominations is May 29, and voter registration applications must be submitted by June 9.
