New Cabinet and Member Champion roles announced as part of changes to Council’s Cabinet
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, has announced three new Cabinet and Deputy appointments and six Member Champions to help Hackney Council realise its commitments to becoming a fairer, greener, healthier and safer borough that works for every child in Hackney.
The changes were announced by the Mayor on 15 May at her first annual council meeting since being elected to the role.
Former Deputy Cabinet member Councillor Sade Etti will now serve as a full Cabinet member for Housing Needs and Homelessness, while Councillor Sam Pallis and Councillor Joe Walker will provide additional support as Deputy Cabinet Members.
Councillor Pallis will oversee the work around developing an inclusive economy, focusing on empowering local businesses, cooperatives, and social enterprises, as well as fostering community wealth building. Councillor Walker will be the Deputy Cabinet Member for Strengthening Neighbourhoods, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Voluntary & Community Sector and supporting resident engagement.
Cllr Pallis is due to start his new role on Monday 3 June, while Cllr Walker will start his position over the summer
The six new member champions will each support the Cabinet by advocating key priorities:
- Climate Justice and Fairtrade Champion: Councillor Gilbert Smyth will advocate for a just transition and fairtrade.
- Disability and Inclusion Champion: Councillor Joseph Ogundemuren will work across services, supporting inclusion and the development of the disability forum.
- Green Infrastructure Champion: Councillor Sarah Young will champion new green initiatives as well as support delivery of the Green Infrastructure Strategy.
- Heritage Champion: Councillor Sheila Suso-Runge will help to ensure the stories of Hackney’s rich heritage reflect people as well as historic buildings and assets.
- No Place for Hate Champion: Councillor Ian Rathbone will highlight the ongoing work in Hackney to ensure it is no place for hate.
- SEND Champion: Councillor Anya Sizer will champion the cause of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a focus on social, emotional and mental health.
None of the new appointments will incur additional special responsibility costs over the current Cabinet arrangements. A full list of the Cabinet and their roles and responsibilities can be found at https://hackney.gov.uk/cabinet
These appointments reflect our commitment to building a better Hackney for all our residents. The new Cabinet Member, Deputy Cabinet Members and Champions will bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.
With all of us working together with other members across the Council and our dedicated officers I am confident we can create a borough that is inclusive, resilient and thriving.
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney