Zoë Garbett, the newly elected Mayor of Hackney, has unveiled the core members of her cabinet following the Green Party’s victory in the recent local elections. This administration marks a significant shift in the borough’s political landscape, as the Green Party takes overall control of the Council for the first time. The new team is tasked with delivering a manifesto centered on housing affordability, community safety, and economic inclusion.
Cabinet appointments and core responsibilities
Mayor Garbett will personally oversee several critical portfolios, including the Council’s overall budget, strategy, and political leadership. Her direct remit also covers community safety, policing, domestic violence, hate crime, and anti-poverty initiatives. This consolidation of safety and social welfare under the Mayor’s office signals a priority on direct accountability for resident security and the borough’s financial health.
Cllr Dylan Law has been named Statutory Deputy Mayor. His role focuses heavily on the borough’s housing crisis, with responsibilities spanning council housing management, repairs, private rented sector oversight, and housing affordability. This appointment places Law at the center of one of the borough’s most pressing issues, managing both the maintenance of existing stock and the development of affordable options for residents.
Strategic focus on regeneration and finance
The cabinet includes several key appointments aimed at managing the borough’s physical and fiscal future. Cllr Alastair Binnie-Lubbock takes on Regeneration, Planning, and Inclusive Neighbourhoods, a role that will determine the direction of urban development and local infrastructure. Meanwhile, Cllr Florence Schechter will manage Finance, Resident Services, and Digital, overseeing the technical and monetary systems that underpin council operations.
Other confirmed members include:
– Cllr Soraya Adejare: Cabinet member for Children, Young People, and Early Intervention.
– Cllr Sam Mathys: Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure, Nightlife, and Licensing.
– Cllr Rachel Nkiessu-Guifo: Cabinet member for Inclusive Economy, Skills, High Streets, and Markets.
The inclusion of a specific portfolio for nightlife and licensing reflects the economic importance of Hackney’s entertainment sector, while the focus on high streets and markets aims to support local businesses in a challenging economic climate.
Specialized support for vulnerable residents
In addition to the main cabinet, two Deputy Cabinet members have been appointed to address specific social challenges. Cllr Laura-Louise Fairley will lead on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) support, a critical area for local families. Cllr Abi Kingston will focus on homelessness prevention and temporary accommodation, addressing the rising demand for emergency housing in London.
These roles are designed to provide granular attention to areas where residents often face the most significant barriers to service access. By separating SEND and homelessness into deputy cabinet positions, the administration suggests a more focused approach to these high-pressure departments.
Transition to the new administration
The Green Party’s message of hope and change was a cornerstone of the election campaign. Mayor Garbett emphasized that her team reflects the diversity and solidarity of Hackney’s communities. The transition of power involves not just a change in personnel but a re-evaluation of how council services are delivered to meet the specific needs of a borough facing high living costs and housing pressures.
“My new Cabinet has deep roots across Hackney, reflecting the borough’s diversity, its solidarity, and its communities,” Mayor Garbett stated. “Together, we were elected on a message of hope for Hackney. The team I have appointed has the passion, talent, and experience to turn that hope into real change.”
Timeline for formal confirmation
The newly appointed cabinet members are scheduled to be formally presented at the Council’s Annual Meeting on May 28, 2026. While the core team is now in place, the Mayor’s office has indicated that further appointments to the wider administration are expected in the coming days. This phased rollout allows the new leadership to begin setting policy directions immediately while finalizing the full structure of the local government.
Source: Hackney Council
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