Hackney Mayor Election 2026: 5 Candidates (Hackney 2026)

Key Points

• The Hackney mayoral election is scheduled for Thursday, 7 May 2026, between 07:00 BST and 22:00 BST, coinciding with Hackney Council elections.
• Five candidates are standing: Vahid Almasi (Reform UK), Zoë Garbett (Green Party), Tareke Gregg (Conservative Party), Eva Steinhardt (Liberal Democrats), and Caroline Woodley (Labour and Co-operative Party).
• Hackney has consistently elected Labour mayors; in 2022, Labour’s Philip Glanville won with 59.1% of the vote on a 34.1% turnout.
• Official candidate details are listed on Hackney Council’s elections page.
• A BBC article questions whether Labour’s dominance could end this time.

uk/local/hackney/">Hackney (East London Times) April 16, 2026 –Hackney, the vibrant east London borough known for its cultural dynamism, will hold its mayoral election on Thursday, 7 May 2026, from 07:00 BST to 22:00 BST. This vote coincides with elections for Hackney Council. Five candidates are contesting the directly elected mayor position, as confirmed on the official Hackney Council website.

When is the Hackney Mayor’s Election, and What Are the Voting Details?

The election date is fixed for 7 May 2026, running from early morning to late evening to accommodate voters. Polling stations will operate during these hours, and Hackney Council oversees both the mayoral and local council ballots on the same day. Voter turnout in the 2022 equivalent was 34.1%, a figure that has remained consistent in recent cycles.

As detailed on Hackney Council’s elections page, residents must ensure they are registered to vote by the deadline, typically several weeks prior. Postal and proxy voting options are available, with full guidance provided on the council’s site.

Who Are the Five Candidates Standing for Hackney Mayor?

The candidates, listed alphabetically by party on the Hackney Council website, represent a cross-section of political affiliations:

• Vahid Almasi for Reform UK.
• Zoë Garbett for the Green Party.
• Tareke Gregg for the Conservative Party.
• Eva Steinhardt for the Liberal Democrats.
• Caroline Woodley for Labour and Co-operative Party.

No further biographical details or campaign platforms were specified in the council’s announcement, but these names form the complete slate. A BBC report highlights this lineup while noting Hackney’s history of Labour victories, posing the question:

“Hackney has always elected a Labour mayor – but could that change?”.

What Happened in the 2022 Hackney Mayoral Election?

In the 2022 election, Labour’s Philip Glanville secured re-election with 36,049 votes, equating to 59.1% of the total, on a turnout of 34.1%.

As reported by Hackney Council News, Glanville’s victory marked his third term, with Zoë Garbett of the Green Party in second place and Oliver Hall of the Conservatives third.

Labour’s Philip Glanville thanked voters, his campaign team, and election staff after the count, according to New Londoner coverage. The result aligned with Labour’s broader dominance, securing 50 council seats with 53.4% of votes borough-wide.

Has Hackney Always Elected Labour Mayors?

Hackney has elected Labour mayors in every contest since the directly elected role was introduced. Philip Glanville first won in 2016 with 69% of the vote, succeeding Jules Pipe, as stated in Hackney Council News. He was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2022.

The BBC notes this unbroken streak, questioning if 2026 could mark a shift. Historically, Hackney transitioned from Conservative strength in earlier decades to Labour control, but recent mayoral races show no deviation.

Why Might the 2026 Election Differ from Past Contests?

Recent council trends indicate minor shifts. In 2022, Labour held 50 seats but lost two, while Greens gained two to reach two seats; Conservatives stayed at five. Post-2022 by-elections saw both Conservatives and Greens win additional seats against Labour.

Hackney Citizen reported in February 2026 that the council could face a “shock,” with Green leader Zack Polanski eyeing control amid Labour’s national challenges.

A Labour source told the outlet that local issues like fly-tipping and parks dominate doorstep conversations.

How Does the Mayoral Role Function in Hackney?

The mayor leads the council, chairs meetings, and sets policy priorities, as per standard London borough structures. Philip Glanville, during his tenure, focused on housing, delivering council homes for social rent. The role involves appointing a cabinet and overseeing borough services.

Voters elect the mayor directly, separate from council seats, allowing for checks and balances. Turnout remains key, at 34.06% in 2022 per official results.

Recent Political Context in Hackney Council Elections

Labour commands 44 councillors currently, dominating since 1965 except for seven years. The 2022 consolidated results showed Labour at 53.4% votes for 50 seats, Greens at 23% for two, Conservatives 11.4% for five, and others trailing.

By-elections since then have eroded Labour’s majority slightly. Green ambitions, as voiced by Polanski, target Hackney specifically. No council control loss has occurred since 1998.

This mayoral race occurs against this backdrop, with all five candidates vying under the first-past-the-post system used previously.

Background of the Development

Hackney introduced its directly elected mayor in 2016 after Jules Pipe’s resignation to join Sadiq Khan’s team. Philip Glanville, a Hoxton West councillor and former housing cabinet member, won that by-election with 69%, then full terms in 2018 and 2022.

The role evolved from ceremonial to executive, handling housing and regeneration. Labour’s grip stems from demographic shifts since the mid-20th century, moving from Conservative “villa Tory” areas to Labour majorities. The 2026 contest follows local by-election losses and national political currents, with the candidate list published on the council site.

Prediction: Impact on Hackney Residents

This development could affect Hackney residents by determining council leadership on issues like housing, parks maintenance, and fly-tipping, as raised locally. A Labour continuation might sustain existing policies on affordable homes. A Green or other win could shift priorities toward environmental goals, given their recent gains. Lower turnout, as in 2022 at 34.1%, might favour established parties, influencing service delivery for the borough’s diverse population. Residents in areas like Hackney Central or Dalston would experience direct changes in mayoral oversight of budgets and services.