Hackney elects new Speaker
Cllr Sharon Patrick has been unveiled as the new Speaker of Hackney at the Council’s Annual General Meeting.
Hackney's longest-serving councillor, Cllr Sharon Patrick, has become the new Speaker of Hackney after being elected last week.
It is the third time that Cllr Patrick, who has served on the Council for over 35 years, has taken the gold chain, having held the post before in 2002 and then again in 2014.
The role of Speaker fulfils many of the Council’s ceremonial and public duties, including chairing full Council meetings, attending events, welcoming visitors to Hackney and presiding over citizenship ceremonies.
Each year the Speaker selects charitable causes to support, both by fundraising and by attending events. This year the Speaker has chosen to support Hackney Food Bank, Hackney Marsh Partnership and the Pedro Club.
"Having lived in Hackney all my adult life I am very proud to be able to represent our amazing, diverse borough once more. Hackney is a lively bubbly place full of different cultures that is open to everyone and where no-one is excluded. Being the Speaker of Hackney is an amazing job and I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to do it again."
Cllr Sharon Patrick, Speaker of Hackney
Supporting Cllr Sharon Patrick in her duties will be Cllr Grace Adebayo, who was announced as the new Deputy Speaker of Hackney for 2025-2026.
Notes to editors
The Speaker's chosen charities:
Hackney Food Bank supports people who are in crisis or trapped in poverty with compassion and dignity by providing emergency food parcels, and connecting people with helpful local organisations.
Hackney Marsh Partnership works to reduce poverty and isolation in Hackney, to enable people and communities to flourish, through youth programmes, community activities and adult training.
The Pedro Club is a community centre that serves multiple generations in Hackney. It provides people with a safe place to thrive, lead healthy lives and fulfil their potential. The club offers a range of activities, including boxing, football, life skills, education support and mentoring opportunities.