Current Speaker

The Speaker for the municipal year 2008 – 2009 is Councillor Ian Rathbone. There is also a Deputy Speaker, Councillor Muttalip Ünlüer.

Councillor Ian Rathbone, Speaker of Hackney 2008-2009

Councillor Rathbone represents Leabridge Ward and was born in Hackney. He is a musician, journalist, and historian of the borough.

He is keen to improve green and open spaces and is currently Chair of the Clapton Pond Action Group and Vice Chair of Hackney Parks Forum. A strong believer in consultation and community involvement, he is Convenor of the Hackney Street Leaders’ scheme.

He supports justice being equally available for all people, and is a trustee of Hackney Community Law Centre. He also supports justice in world trade, and as Co-ordinator of the Hackney Fairtrade Group, he is delighted that Hackney is now a Fairtrade borough.

He has been a Hackney School Governor for over 25 years.

Councillor Muttalip Ünlüer, Deputy Speaker of Hackney 2008-2009

Councillor Ünlüer represents Stoke Newington Central Ward and has been a Hackney resident for 35 years.

He is a trustee of the Nida Trust; the Turkish Education Development Association; and the West Hackney Parochial Charity. These organisations are all involved in promoting education and the wellbeing of communities. He is also an independent advisory group member for Hackney Police.

He is a strong believer in promoting good education to improve Hackney residents’ quality of life, and has been an avid supporter of the work of several charities within the community. He also aims to promote closer working relationships with community organisations and faith groups in Hackney to improve the lives of local people.

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Page updated: 8 Oct 2008