Leader – Hackney’s new mayor must pull off a delicate balancing act

Since being sworn in as Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville has made the right noises.

He wants to build 500 “living rent” homes. He appears more approachable than his predecessor and eager to engage with the press and public. We wish him well but will hold him to his pledges and ask questions.

Where will his living rent homes be located? How will the project be funded? Will they be quality, eco-friendly homes or cheap boxes stacked above each other? So far he has not said.

On sustainability the council is keen to trumpet its eco credentials but recycling rates have flatlined, too much household waste is being incinerated and the pension fund invests in fossil fuels.

Population growth and limited funds mean difficult decisions must be made. Demand for more school places is already leading to clashes.

The mayoral result would appear to show Labour in Hackney is stronger than ever. But the party’s infighting continues, and a heated exchange, broadcast on LBC as part of a discussion between Momentum and Progress about the mayoral election result showed Hackney is not immune to factionalism.

Glanville must continue to keep a foot in both camps and balance competing demands. We will be watching closely.