Zoe Garbett has made history as the first Green mayor of a London borough.
Garbett, a London Assembly member, received 35,720 votes to seize the role from Labour, who received 26,865 votes.
The size of her victory indicates a watershed moment in London politics and poses questions about the make-up of Hackney Council itself, which has had a Labour majority since 2002. That will be counted and declared later today.
Garbett said: “To everyone that voted for me I truly thank you for putting your trust in me.
“Across London and the country, people have made it clear that they are desperate for an alternative to this failing Labour government.”
Incumbent Mayor Caroline Woodley said Garbett had shown great determination and resilience and said she would have the support of the council continue the ‘good work’ of the Labour administration.
She said: “Hackney is a place of welcome. It is a newly accredited and proud borough of sanctuary – I know our councillors will continue to make the case for the contributions made by migrants who have done so much to shape this borough.”
There was a high voter turnout of 40.98% – a 7% increase since the 2022 mayoral election.
Conservative candidate Tareke Gregg said he was still feeling positive after the defeat and hopes the Green Party will focus on democracy rather than just traffic issues.
Green Party Leader Zack Polanski told Sky News: “Two party politics is not just dying it is dead and buried. It’s very clear that the new politics is the Green Party versus Reform.
“Across the country all of our seats, target and non target, the Green Party vote share is rising.”
Garbett previously ran for London Mayor in 2022 and ran for Hackney Mayor in the 2023 by-election.
Featured image courtesy of Esther Bamigboye, with thanks
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