Why are you standing for election?

I grew up in Hackney with queer parents, in a borough that welcomed us. That experience of living somewhere inclusive and diverse, where difference is celebrated, has stayed with me ever since.

I want to help protect and strengthen that Hackney. A place where people feel they belong, where communities look out for one another, and where nobody gets left behind.

In my working life, I represent asylum seekers and refugees rebuilding their lives here. I see every day how much it matters to have a community that is open and welcoming, and how much is at stake when that spirit is eroded.

I joined the Greens because I found people who share those values and who show up for residents not just at election time, but all year round. Standing alongside Sam and Fliss, I want to bring that same energy and commitment to Clissold – to be a councillor who is present, principled and working hard for everyone in our ward.

What are three things you are most excited about in our manifesto for Hackney?

Finding out who really owns Hackney. We’re committed to establishing a Who Owns Hackney commission – a transparent investigation into who owns the land and infrastructure in our borough, and whose interests they serve. Too much of Hackney’s wealth and potential is concentrated in the hands of the 1%. Residents deserve to know who holds power over their neighbourhood, and to have a say in how that changes.

Putting empty buildings to work for residents. Hackney has Council-owned properties sitting unused while residents desperately need more community spaces, affordable workspace and local services. Stoke Newington Town Hall in our ward of Clissold is a prime example – a beautiful building that sits empty when it should be buzzing with life. We will push to get unused Council assets into active use for the people of Hackney. 

Divesting from genocide. We will fight for Hackney Council to divest from any financial interests connected to the genocidal wars in Palestine, Sudan and Lebanon. Hackney has always stood on the right side of history on human rights. That has to mean something in practice.

What’s one thing residents might not know about you?

My surname, Grün, is German for “green”, which makes standing for the Green Party feel like a good decision…