Hackney names new Speaker for local civic duties

Hackney Council has appointed Councillor Antoinette Fernandez as the new Speaker of Hackney, confirming the civic representative for the new administration after the council’s Annual General Meeting.

Cllr Fernandez represents Lea Bridge ward and was elected to Hackney Council in May 2026. She has lived in Hackney for almost two decades and has worked in the creative sector, including the film industry and the art world.

Civic duties for the new Speaker

The Speaker of Hackney carries out ceremonial and public duties on behalf of the council. The role includes chairing full Council meetings, attending local events, welcoming visitors to the borough and presiding over citizenship ceremonies.

The appointment also places Cllr Fernandez in a public-facing role at civic occasions across Hackney, where the Speaker represents the borough rather than a single ward or party position.

Cllr Fernandez said it was an honour to be elected Speaker for the new administration. She said she moved to Hackney almost 20 years ago because it was one of the few places in London that nurtured and supported creatives.

“Hackney is a community of beautiful people from across the globe, who understand that everyone deserves to live their lives the way they choose, and that no one should get left behind,” she said.

Charities chosen for the year

Each year, the Speaker selects charitable causes to support through fundraising and attendance at events. For 2026-2027, Cllr Fernandez has chosen the Claudia Jones Organisation, Justice4Windrush and Tree Musketeers.

The selected causes reflect work connected with community support, justice and local environmental activity. The Speaker’s backing can help bring visibility to those groups during civic events and fundraising activity across the borough.

Cllr Nisa Sharif has been announced as Deputy Speaker of Hackney for 2026-2027 and will support Cllr Fernandez in the role.

Source: Hackney Council

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This local brief is based on the Hackney Council announcement and checked against the named roles, ward and charities in the source material.

Checks

• Confirmed the appointment of Councillor Antoinette Fernandez as Speaker of Hackney.
• Checked that Cllr Fernandez is listed as representing Lea Bridge ward.
• Verified the three named supported causes: Claudia Jones Organisation, Justice4Windrush an...
• Confirmed Cllr Nisa Sharif is named as Deputy Speaker for 2026-2027.

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Hackney Council

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Hackney

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2026-05-29 17:20

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Antoinette FernandezNisa Sharif

#Antoinette Fernandez#Claudia Jones Organisation#Hackney Council#Justice4Windrush#Lea Bridge ward#Speaker of Hackney#Tree Musketeers

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