Mayor announces changes to Cabinet and new Cabinet Member for Community Safety
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas has been appointed to the Council’s Cabinet as part of a temporary reshuffle to cover Cllr Caroline Selman’s role while she takes maternity leave.
Cllr Fajana-Thomas, who has lived in Hackney for more than 30 years, and has worked for more than a decade in the voluntary sector, including on community safety, mental health and wellbeing, becomes Cabinet Member for Community Safety. She will take on the role from 12 October.
She has represented Stoke Newington ward since 2010 and served as Speaker in 2011/12.

I’m delighted to appoint Susan to the Council’s Cabinet. She is a tireless anti-racism campaigner and brings more than 10 years of experience and a strong passion for ensuring our communities are safe and residents are listened to. I know she is committed to implementing the recommendations of the recent Hackney Young Future’s Commission, especially continuing our public health approach to reducing violence.
Over the last four years, Caroline has worked tirelessly to stand up for Hackney’s amazing voluntary sector and bring together our communities, partners and police to keep the borough safe. We wish her the best as she goes on maternity leave and look forward to welcoming her back next year.

I’m proud to be given this opportunity to lead the Council’s community safety work, and wish Caroline all the best as she starts a new and exciting chapter in her family’s life.
I’m passionate about ensuring our borough’s young people are safe and secure, and that we do all we can to support families affected by youth violence. It’s important that everyone has trust and confidence in public services, especially Black communities disproportionately affected by the impact of crime and more likely to be victims.
I look forward to being a champion for them, working closely with our partners and police to make Hackney a safer borough.
Some areas of Cllr Selman’s portfolio will be temporarily picked up by other existing Cabinet Members.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Leisure, will cover the voluntary sector, including grants and property. He will be supported by Mayoral Adviser for Older People, Cllr Yvonne Maxwell.
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources, will cover policy, strategy and devolution, including work with refugees and vulnerable migrants.
Updated Cabinet portfolios from 12 October
Member | Portfolio | Responsibilities |
Philip Glanville | Mayor |
|
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble | Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Education, Young People and Children’s Social Care |
|
Cllr Rebecca Rennison | Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Finance, Housing Needs and Supply |
|
Cllr Susan Fajana Thomas (until July 2021) | Community Safety |
|
Cllr Chris Kennedy | Health, Adult Social Care and Leisure |
|
Cllr Guy Nicholson | Planning, Culture and Inclusive Economy |
|
Cllr Clayeon McKenzie | Housing Services |
|
Cllr Jon Burke | Energy, Waste, Transport and Public Realm |
|
Cllr Carole Williams | Employment, Skills and Human Resources |
|
Cllr Caroline Woodley | Families, Early Years and Play |
|
Mayoral Advisers
Member | Portfolio | Responsibilities |
Cllr Sem Moema | Private Renting and Housing Affordability |
|
Cllr Yvonne Maxwell | Older People |
|
Member Champions
Councillor | Member Champion role |
Vacant | Mental Health champion |
Cllr Yvonne Maxwell | Dementia champion (covered as part of Mayoral Adviser role) |
Cllr Sade Etti | No place for Hate champion |
Cllr Gilbert Smyth | Fairtrade champion |
Cllr Peter Snell | Heritage champion |