Significant Turnover in Hackney Council Ahead of May 2026 Elections
In a major shake-up for Hackney's political scene, seven councillors have announced they will not seek re-election in the upcoming local elections on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This development comes as the Labour-run council, which has dominated local governance for decades, faces internal challenges and personal decisions from its members.
Labour's Dominance and Recent Departures
Labour has controlled Hackney Council for all but seven years since its establishment in 1964, currently holding 44 of the 57 seats. However, since the last election, the party has seen four councillors resign, and now an additional seven are confirmed to be stepping down. Furthermore, three sitting councillors have been blocked by the party from standing again, highlighting factional tensions within Labour's ranks.
Mayor Caroline Woodley is seeking re-election but will vacate her ward seat in Cazenove after eight years of service. Woodley assumed the mayoralty in a 2023 by-election following the resignation of her predecessor, Philip Glanville, who stepped down due to connections with a disgraced Labour councillor.
Councillors Voluntarily Standing Down
The councillors leaving of their own accord include:
- Sophie Conway: A Hackney native and social housing tenant representing Hackney Central since 2016, Conway cited family commitments, stating, "My son just refuses to go to bed, and I want to spend more time with my family."
- Humaira Garasia: Elected in 2018 as Hackerston's youngest councillor, Garasia served as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker of the House. Hackney Labour confirmed she will not stand again.
- Ben Hayhurst: A barrister and Homerton Hospital governor, Hayhurst has represented Hackney Central since 2012, focusing on health policy scrutiny.
- Sem Moema: First elected in 2006, Moema also serves as a London Assembly member and mayoral adviser for housing. She is stepping down for personal reasons.
- Ali Sadek: Elected in 2022 for Kings Park, Sadek works as a legal adviser and declined to comment further on his departure.
- Ifraax Samatar: Representing Shacklewell since 2022, Samatar cited long-term health conditions and has a background in teaching and mental health advocacy.
- Caroline Selman: After over a decade representing Woodberry Down, Selman, a former cabinet member, now works as a Senior Research Fellow and is leaving the council.
Councillors Blocked from Re-Standing
Not all departures are voluntary. Three Labour councillors were deselected by the party's London region, reportedly for defying the party whip on a procedural vote related to a Gaza ceasefire motion in 2023:
- Soraya Adejare: A Brownswood councillor since 2014, Adejare criticized her deselection, noting no prior complaints against her and alignment with legal guidance during the vote.
- Clare Joseph: Elected in 2018 for Victoria ward, Joseph appealed her deselection but failed to gain re-selection. She is considering running as an independent.
- M Can Ozsen: Formerly Labour, Ozsen quit the party last month after being deselected, accusing it of abandoning core values and showing intolerance to dissent. He may also stand as an independent.
Political Landscape and Future Outlook
While all sitting Conservative councillors plan to stand again, according to sources, and the Greens will announce candidates soon, Labour's candidate slate remains pending. These changes could impact Hackney's governance, with potential shifts in policy focus and representation. The elections on May 7, 2026, will be a critical test for Labour's hold and the emergence of independent voices in the borough.
