Voters will soon be going to the polls in a by-election for one of Hackney Council’s vacant seats.
Two Labour councillors represented De Beauvoir until last month, when Cllr Polly Billington vacated her seat.
She has been chosen to stand in East Thanet at the next general election, which is expected to take place before the end of the year.
All four major parties are now vying to take the seat at the upcoming by-election on May 2, and to join Cllr Joe Walker in representing the ward on Hackney Council.
Here are the candidates in the order they appear on the ballot paper:
Antoinette Fernandez – Green Party
Antoinette has lived in London Fields for the past 16 years, and has said she will work hard to be a “much needed independent Green voice” for De Beauvoir residents and businesses.
The Green party candidate said that she supports measures such as community-led universal basic income trials to help solve the cost of living crisis.
Antoinette said: “From school closures to unfair garden waste charges and a desperate need for rent controls, and safe and affordable homes I have spent time listening to DeBeauvoir's residents.
“I will push our Labour-dominated council to expedite repairs to the three council estates and ensure that community centres on the estates with appropriate capacity and accessibility are provided.
“I also believe that LTNs can be more holistic if placed in consideration and consultation with residents.”
Tareke Gregg – Conservative Party
Tareke has said that he is “thrilled” to have been selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the De Beauvoir by-election.
He added: “If elected, I am committed to representing the interests of all residents in De Beauvoir.
“I firmly believe in listening to your concerns and working tirelessly to address them.”
He has promised to advocate for the removal of low traffic neighbourhoods in the borough, as well as to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to combat antisocial behaviour.
Hackney Conservatives have been contacted for more information about their candidate.
Jasmine Martins – Labour Party
Jasmine was born and raised in Hackney, and currently works in local government.
She has said she is committed to securing the future of community spaces in the borough, backing the Hackney Green New Deal, and engaging with residents on housing issues.
Jasmine added: “I’m delighted to receive the backing of De Beauvoir Labour members and to have the opportunity to discuss our vision for a greener, fairer borough with local people.
“Despite 14 years of Tory cuts to local government finances, Hackney Labour continue to show real ambition for our borough and an unwavering commitment to social, racial and environmental justice.
“If elected, I will work with Hackney Council and all residents of De Beauvoir to deliver the climate resilience and decent homes our community needs.”
Thrusie Maurseth-Cahill – Liberal Democrats
Thrusie has been living in Hackney for almost 25 years, after moving to the UK for work.
She currently lives close to De Beauvoir, and is working for a UK humanitarian charity, having started her career in government relations.
The 49-year-old said that she wanted to bring “scrutiny” to Hackney Council’s planning and policy work so that it can “work better for everyone”.
She added: “With a near-unanimous Labour council, policies are simply not being scrutinised with the constructive criticism that a Liberal Democrat councillor can bring.
“I am concerned that many planning and policy changes, however well intentioned, are completely overlooking the needs of important groups in our community.
“Limiting transport without considering the needs of people with limited mobility, introducing waste charges with no concessionary pricing, redesigning high streets while ignoring the needs of small businesses to name a few.”
Get ready to vote
- Make sure you bring valid photo ID to the polling station when you cast your vote.
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