Hackney mayoral election 2026: Five candidates to compete for borough’s top job

Photograph: Martin Deutsch

Five candidates are competing to become Mayor of Hackney in next month’s local elections. 

On 7 May, eligible residents will vote in two elections – one to choose the directly-elected mayor, and the other to pick their local councillors. 

Hackney is one of only five London boroughs with a directly elected mayor. The role of Mayor provides leadership and direction to the borough, while also being responsible for council policy and delivery of services.

The candidates are listed below in alphabetical order by surname:

Vahid Almasi is the Reform UK candidate, representing a newer force in Hackney’s mayoral landscape. He is positioning himself as an outsider to the current council, targeting voters frustrated with the status quo.

Zoë Garbett is the Green party candidate, primary challenger to the incumbent Labour candidate, Caroline Woodley. The Dalston councillor and London Assembly member placed second in 2023 and is looking to become the first non-Labour mayor directly elected.

Tareke Gregg is standing for the Conservatives. Gregg has previously stood for council seats in the De Beauvoir by-election in early 2024 and the Stoke Newington by-election in late 2024, placing third and fourth respectively.

Caroline Woodley of the Labour party is currently serving as Mayor. Woodley is seeking her first full four-year term having been elected in 2023 following the resignation of Philip Glanville. 

Eva Steinhardt is aiming to restore the Liberal Democrats’ presence in the Town Hall for the first time since 2018.

All voters aged 18 and over across the borough can vote to elect a mayor by a first-past-the-post system.

Elections are being held on 7 May 2026 for Hackney Mayor and Hackney Council, with polling open from 7am  – 10pm. The results will be announced on 8 May.

The deadline for registering to vote is Monday 20 April.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is Tuesday 21 April.

Voters in Hackney will have to produce photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport.

Residents can still apply for free voter ID until 28 April.