The Hackney Gazette will co-host a hustings for prospective Mayoral candidates ahead of next month’s local elections.

The 90-minute debate, organised in conjunction with coalition for social justice Hackney Unites, will take place in the Old Fire Station Community Centre in Leswin Street, Stoke Newington, on April 30 at 8pm. It will be chaired by Gazette Editor Ramzy Alwakeel.

Please note this event replaces the digital hustings announced in last week’s Gazette, which will no longer take place on April 25. We apologise for any confusion.

Candidates for five political parties have been invited to take part, along with an independent candidate.

Representing Labour will be incumbent mayor Phil Glanville, who has been in post since Jules Pipe stood down in July 2016.

“Hackney Heroine” Pauline Pearce, who became an internet sensation for standing up to youths during the 2011 London riots, is standing for the Liberal Democrats and will take part along with Imtiaz Lunat who is running for the Conservatives.

Alastair Binnie-Lubbock, who stood in Hackney North and Stoke Newington in last year’s General Election, will represent the Greens.

Harini Iyengar for the Women’s Equality Party and independent Vernon Williams make up the tally of six.

In 2014, Mr Williams took the council’s returning officer Tim Shields to the High Court, accusing him of not following protocol when supervising the count at the Britannia Leisure Centre.

Jane Holgate from Hackney Unites helped secure the venue, where she is chair of trustees.

She said: “One of the things that’s essential to Hackney Unites is social justice, organising and people being involved in their community. Holding a hustings allows people to be active in their communities and expressing their concerns to politicians about issues which are relevant to their lives in Hackney.”

Mr Glanville said he was “really excited” about our hustings “because that will be the last chance for residents to question all those running to be mayor”. Mr Binnie-Lubbock said: “I look forward to having the kind of lively cross-party debate that the mayor seems so afraid of in the council chamber when he keeps talking about securing all 57 seats for Labour.”

What question do you want to put to the candidates? Email emma.bartholomew@archant.co.uk.