Hackney mayoral by-election: Cycling campaign’s hustings to take place on 1 November

In poll position. Photograph: Julia Gregory, free for use by partners of BBC news wire service

Cyclists in Hackney are holding a hustings for voters to quiz candidates in the mayoral by-election.

Hackney Cycling Campaign plans to put politicians on the spot a week before polls open on Thursday 9 November.

The hustings will kick off at 7.30pm at the Pembury Centre in Atkins Square, off Dalston Lane, on Wednesday 1 November.

The by-election was called after Labour’s Philip Glanville resigned from the top job after seven years.

He quit after he was photographed at a party last year with Tom Dewey – hours after learning the new councillor had been arrested.

Dewey resigned from the council and in August this year was given a 12-month suspended sentence for possessing indecent images of children.

Hackney Cycling Campaign members will quiz candidates about the steps they would take to improve cycling in Hackney.

They have five “mayoral asks” that they believe will improve safety and encourage more people to get on a bike instead of driving.

These include completing the rollout of the low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) by 2025, as well as a 24/7 bus gate at the London Fields LTN and a filter on Whiston Road.

Campaigners also want to see safe and affordable bike parking for all, and steps taken to make travel on Hackney’s housing estates more accessible for people who use wheelchairs, adapted bikes, and cargo bikes.

They are also calling for more protected bike lanes, and a commitment from the new mayor to make road junctions safer. These include the Mare Street junction with Morning Lane and roads in Stamford Hill.

The deadline for mayoral candidates to put their name forward for election is Friday 13 October.

So far, Dalston councillor Zoë Garbett has announced she is standing for the Greens. She came second in the 2022 Hackney mayoral election and is also running in next year’s London mayoral contest.

Labour has selected Caroline Woodley as its candidate. She is cabinet member for families, parks, and leisure at Hackney Council.

Residents who are not yet on the electoral roll need to register by Tuesday 24 October.

Those without photo identity documents need to apply by Wednesday 25 October for a free voter authority certificate.