Hackney residents get new civic Speaker: key details

Marcus Thorne Author 2026-05-29 17:15 2 min read

Contents

Antoinette Fernandez takes on civic duties
Charities selected for the year ahead

By the demoduck.co.uk news desk

Hackney Council has appointed Councillor Antoinette Fernandez as the new Speaker of Hackney, confirming the change at the Council’s Annual General Meeting.

Cllr Fernandez, who represents Lea Bridge ward, will take on the borough’s main civic and ceremonial duties. The role includes chairing full Council meetings, attending public events, welcoming visitors to Hackney and presiding over citizenship ceremonies.

Antoinette Fernandez takes on civic duties

Cllr Fernandez has lived in Hackney for almost 20 years and has worked in the creative sector, including the film industry and art world. She was elected to Hackney Council in May 2026 as a councillor for Lea Bridge ward.

The Speaker is not the same as the directly elected mayor or the political leadership of the Council. The office is a civic role, focused on representing the borough at formal occasions and supporting community life through public engagements.

In a statement after her appointment, Cllr Fernandez said it was “an honour” to be elected Speaker for the new administration. She said she moved to Hackney nearly two decades ago because it was one of the few places in London that “nurtured and supported creatives”.

Charities selected for the year ahead

Each year, the Speaker of Hackney chooses charitable causes to support through fundraising and attendance at events.

For 2026-2027, Cllr Fernandez has selected three organisations: the Claudia Jones Organisation, Justice4Windrush and Tree Musketeers. The choices point to a year of civic activity linked to community support, migrant justice and local environmental work.

Cllr Nisa Sharif has been named Deputy Speaker of Hackney for 2026-2027 and will support Cllr Fernandez in carrying out the duties of the office.

Source: Hackney Council