Hoxton East & Shoreditch by-election 2021: All your candidates in one place

Hoxton East & Shoreditch voters in the London Mayoral elections on 6 May will also be able to vote in a by-election for a council seat in their ward.

The local race is for the seat vacated by Hackney Labour’s former transport boss Feryal Clark, who is now serving as MP for Enfield. 

You can find the most recent results for the ward from the 2018 London local elections here.

Below is a list of the candidates on offer in 2021.

Helen Baxter (Liberal Democrats)

An international aid auditor, Baxter joined the Lib Dems after Brexit, voicing “deep concern” over economic damage caused by leaving the EU and alarm at “the nature of political debate moving further to the extremes”.

The Lib Dem candidate has accused Hackney Labour of having “no interest in engaging with residents” on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, and while in favour of the policy as part of a wider plan to bring in road pricing, improved public transport and cycling infrastructure, has characterised the Town Hall’s approach as “needlessly divisive.”

Baxter said: “The consultation needs to be an open conversation, as no two LTNs are the same, and the schemes will have different impacts in different communities. It’s so vital that residents are engaged with the process, and are not shut out anytime they share a view that differs from the council’s position.

“I will be guided by the data and evidence, really listen to residents, and be a strong voice for the whole community.”

You can find out more about the Hackney Liberal Democrats here.

Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi Wigodo (Conservatives)

Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi Wigodo is campaigning on a platform of improved health and wellbeing, opportunities for employment and training in the borough, a reduction of crime rates, and improved road safety awareness.

Founder of NGO Sapphire Community Group, which works to help young people with employment support, mental health, personal development and empowerment through the creative arts, the Conservative candidate pledged also to work on homelessness and social housing, ledging to be “a voice for the silent voices in our society.”

She said: “I am no politician. It may sound like a cliche but I was born to do this very thing.  I just know that I was born to do this very thing. I was born for a time like this. I was born to make a difference for my community. Everything I have done in life has brought me to this very moment. I hope that you give me a chance to show you who I am and what I can do for you.”

You can find out more about Hackney Conservatives here.

Niall Crowley (Independent)

Former Brexit Party leafleter Niall Crowley is a prominent figure in the Horrendous Hackney Road Closures campaign, and says that a vote for him will be the start of “the clearout of the technocrats and careerists”.

Speaking out against LTNs as exposing the Town Hall’s “callous disregard for our elderly, disabled and families”, Crowley is also a proponent of a referendum to abolish the mayoral system in Hackney.

He said: “If we can win in Hoxton it will be a massive, democratic blow for residents and against a council that treats residents with contempt and is running our borough into the ground.

“Our campaign has shown that residents possess a wealth of experience, creativity and energy, that could help us solve so many of the problems and difficulties we face.”

You can find out more about Horrendous Hackney Road Closures here.

Chris Newby (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)

The TUSC has challenged Labour candidates both to match their uncompromising stance in pledging to refuse to vote for any cuts in local government, and on their position on the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party.

Newby has pledged to “fight for the money stolen from Hackney by this Tory government to be returned to fund the local services people in Hackney need.” 

He said: “At a time when Hackney Council has over 13,000 families its housing waiting list it should be fighting for the necessary funding for mass council house building, not funding expensive gentrification projects like the Britannia Leisure Centre redevelopment. I have supported the Save Britannia Leisure Centre campaign.”

You can find out more about the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition here.

Charlotte Owusu-Allen (Greens)

The Green Party are fielding Charlotte Owusu-Allen, a Hackney resident of over 12 years and an entrepreneur who has created a range of vegan and organic hair and skin care products.

Owusu-Allen is motivated by the need to support young people, including young adults who are often forgotten about once they reach the age of 19. She cites as an inspiration Hackney-based youth group RISE.365, which has changed lives but desperately needs additional funding and support. She would also lobby for entrepreneur grants to help local residents start their own sustainable businesses.

She said: “Covid-19 has shown how important outdoor space is for everyone, especially low-income families in urban areas who are less likely to have their own gardens. The Green Party understands that environmental and social justice go hand-in-hand. As a councillor I would fight for a better future for Hackney’s young people and our planet.”

You can find out more about the Hackney Green Party here.

Anya Sizer (Labour & Co-operative)

Mum-of-three Sizer is an ambassador for cross-party organisation Compassion in Politics, as well as being a regional organiser for Fertility Network UK and assistant to Labour MP David Lammy.

Recently named as one of Hackney’s Top 100 Women as part of the council’s celebration of women over 30 getting the vote, the Labour candidate has worked through the Volunteer Centre throughout the pandemic, has worked through St John’s Hoxton for a socialist society, and campaigned to bring Play Streets to the borough.

Sizer said: “I’ve lived in Hackney for nearly 20 years. As a mother of three, including one adopted child, I know how to fight for something I care passionately about. I work in politics and I am a volunteer and campaigner. I’m an active member of local parent and faith groups, an adoption and fostering champion, have run a Sunday School, been a PTA Chair and I volunteer at Volunteer Centre Hackney.”

You can find out more about Hackney Labour here.

EDIT: This article was updated at 11:18 on 28/04/2021.