Hackney Mayor Election 2026: A Pivotal Contest for East London's Future
On Thursday, May 7, residents in the East London borough of Hackney will head to the polls in a dual electoral showdown, casting votes not only for all 57 council seats across 21 wards but also for the crucial position of Mayor. This mayoral race marks a significant moment as Hackney, a borough predominantly under Labour control for nearly five decades, sees five candidates from major political parties competing to shape its political leadership and community direction.
Five Candidates Step Forward in a Historic Race
Unlike most London councils, Hackney's electoral landscape features two simultaneous contests, amplifying the stakes for local governance. The mayoral election, established in 2002, has been consistently won by Labour, with incumbent Mayor Caroline Woodley seeking a second term. However, this year, the Greens, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK are all fielding candidates, promising a diverse and competitive battle for the top job.
Meet the Candidates and Their Visions
Caroline Woodley (Labour Party): As the current Mayor, Woodley emphasizes her achievements in securing £97 million in extra government support to counteract £150 million in budget cuts since 2010. Her pledges for re-election include delivering two new special schools, increasing street sweepers by 25%, and providing cheaper, cleaner energy to 4,500 council homes by 2030. She aims to collaborate with the Labour Mayor of London to introduce rent-controlled key worker homes, positioning Hackney as a leader in innovative, affordable solutions.
Zoë Garbett (Green Party): A Dalston ward councillor and London Assembly Member, Garbett focuses on community ownership to enhance affordability. She plans to repurpose underused land and buildings for arts and parent groups, ethically divest the borough's pension fund, and tax large non-commercial vehicles. Garbett vows to combat gentrification at sites like Ridley Road Indoor Market and Stoke Newington Town Hall, advocating for a borough where residents collectively own and benefit from local assets.
Tareke Gregg (Conservative Party): Gregg, a candidate in previous council by-elections, pledges to scrap Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, arguing they exacerbate congestion on surrounding roads. His platform includes cutting council tax and business rates, restoring weekly rubbish collections, and reducing parking permit costs. He emphasizes a council that listens to residents' everyday concerns, fostering inclusivity and support across Hackney's diverse communities.
Eva Steinhardt (Liberal Democrats): Steinhardt, a justice advocate living on a houseboat in Hackney, prioritizes affordability by increasing housing supply to lower rents and cap leasehold charges. She commits to defending parks, improving care services, opposing policing cuts, and using traffic fine revenue to repair roads and pavements. Her approach centers on pragmatic solutions to build on successes and address shortcomings, aiming to make Hackney a more livable and resilient place.
Vahid Almasi (Reform UK): Almasi, with a background in senior roles at Barclays and IBM, criticizes Labour for leading Hackney to financial ruin. His priorities include protecting residents' money, restoring order to council finances, enhancing local services, and reducing crime through increased police presence. He brings corporate leadership experience to his campaign, promising strategic growth and opportunity for the borough.
Key Election Details and Voter Information
The mayoral and council elections will occur on Thursday, May 7, with critical deadlines for voter registration and applications. Residents must register to vote by midnight on Monday, April 20, while postal vote applications are due by 5pm on Tuesday, April 21, and proxy vote applications by 5pm on Tuesday, April 28. Photo ID is required for in-person voting; those without it can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate via GOV.UK before 5pm on April 28.
This election represents a pivotal opportunity for Hackney residents to influence local policies on issues ranging from housing and transport to environmental sustainability and public safety. As candidates outline their visions, the outcome will significantly impact the borough's trajectory, potentially reshaping its political landscape and community priorities for years to come.
