Hackney elects new Speaker

Councillor Antoinette Fernandez, has become the new Speaker of Hackney after being appointed this week at the Council’s Annual General Meeting.

Cllr Fernandez has lived in Hackney for almost two decades, working in the creative sector, including the film industry and art world.The Councillor represents the Lea Bridge ward on Hackney Council, after being elected in May 2026.

The Speaker of Hackney performs many of the Council’s ceremonial and public duties, including chairing full Council meetings, attending events, welcoming visitors to the borough, 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 the Claudia Jones Organisation, Justice4Windrush, and Tree Musketeers.

"It is an honour to have been elected Speaker for this new administration, I moved to Hackney almost twenty years ago, because it was one of the few places left 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. As Speaker I look forward to advocating for and representing all that our brilliant borough represents."

Cllr Antoinette Fernandez, Speaker of Hackney

Supporting Cllr Fernandez in her duties will be Cllr Nisa Sharif, who was announced as the new Deputy Speaker of Hackney for 2026-2027.