Hackney residents get new civic Speaker: local impact

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-05-29 17:18 Updated: 18:31 2 min read

A Black woman wearing a white headwrap and formal blazer with a golden ceremonial chain.

Councillor Antoinette Fernandez has been appointed as the new Speaker of Hackney, taking on the borough’s ceremonial and public-facing civic role for the new administration.

Her appointment was confirmed this week at Hackney Council’s Annual General Meeting. Cllr Fernandez represents Lea Bridge ward and was elected to Hackney Council in May 2026.

Antoinette Fernandez takes the Speaker’s chair

The Speaker of Hackney chairs full Council meetings and carries out a range of civic duties across the borough. The role includes attending local events, welcoming visitors, representing Hackney at formal occasions and presiding over citizenship ceremonies.

Cllr Fernandez has lived in Hackney for almost two decades. Before her election, she worked in the creative sector, including in the film industry and the art world.

She said she moved to Hackney nearly 20 years ago because it was one of the few places in London that nurtured and supported creatives. She described the borough as a community shaped by people from across the globe.

Charities chosen for the year ahead

Each Speaker selects charitable causes to support during their term, through fundraising and attendance at events.

For 2026-2027, Cllr Fernandez has chosen the Claudia Jones Organisation, Justice4Windrush and Tree Musketeers as her supported causes.

The choices point to a year of civic activity linked to community support, migrant justice and local environmental work. The Speaker’s charity programme is separate from day-to-day council service delivery, but it gives the civic office a public platform to raise awareness and support for selected local and community-focused causes.