Q&A with Hackney Mayoral Candidate Andrew Boff

We caught up with Hackney Conservative Mayoral Candidate Andrew Boff, to find out a little more about his campaign.

What made you decide to run for Mayor of Hackney?

I see a Hackney council that is disconnected from the people it is supposed to serve and a political culture that doesn't trust people.

Why should people vote for you?

Apart from what I say (see Andrew's website Change Hackney) I am the best chance of getting rid of this current administration. I was the clear challenger at the previous election in 2006. A vote for other parties is misplaced especially as, if elected, they will get representaion in the Cabinet. The LibDem candidate has said that he could install an exclusively Labour Cabinet if elected! No change there then.

What is your one biggest concerns about Hackney?

The criminal neglect of young people and the lack of positive activities for them.

What is the first thing you would do for Hackney?

Meet with all parties to set up a new broad based administration. Hackney Council has been a one party state for too long. I will approach members of ALL non-racist parties to serve as Cabinet members.

What is your favourite thing about Hackney?

The people - and the Dove on Broadway Market.

How would you be different to current Mayor Jules Pipe?

I'd devolve more power to people, cut the costs of the political class, and end Hackney's shameful pact with poverty.

Andrew states on his website: "When Jules Pipe stated that people who opposed his plans for Dalston wanted to “Keep Hackney Crap” it upset a lot of people who think that the only ‘crap’ bits in Hackney are the ones that Mayor Pipe either runs or has neglected.

People who love Hackney and want to see it improved, not replaced, felt so insulted that my good friends at the Eel magazine started to produce badges with that very slogan on it. Pipe’s assumption seems to have been embraced by planners who see little that is in need of conserving. The destruction of the Dalston Theatre to be replaced by a windswept “Dalston Square”, giving permission to demolish Tony’s Cafe of Broadway Market (still a pile of rubble after four years) and now the development on Sylvester Path all have the support of a planning department who take their lead from a Mayor who loves property developers. Isn’t it time we had a Mayor who loved Hackney?"

You are a member of the Broadway Market Traders' and Residents' Association. How important to you think it is to protect markets such as Broadway and Ridley Road?

Very important, especially Ridley Road. I want to see Hackney’s markets rejuvenated.  They encourage people to spend locally and provide great opportunites for people to start in business.

What were your thoughts on Hackney Council's removal of the Banksy graffiti in Stoke Newington last year?

It shows what an out-of touch joyless bunch they are.

Will you continue to edit EastEight magazine if you become Mayor of Hackney?

Oh yes.

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Andrew Boff is also a conservative member of the London Assembly.  He is a Londonwide member, representing all thirty-two boroughs and the City of London.

His entire election address, which was banned by Hackney Council, can be seen here.