Simon de Deney for Hackney Mayor

Simon, who has worked in live theatre and for the BBC, has lived in Stoke Newington for 28 years with his wife, two sons and their dog, Loki.

He was a Parent Governor at Grasmere Primary and Chair of Governors at Shacklewell Primary, as well as serving on the Schools Forum of the Learning Trust scrutinising Hackney education services.

Simon previously worked with ex-gang members to help them develop business opportunities and stay out of crime.

He has worked with universities helping young people develop employability skills and improve their access to good jobs.

In politics, Simon stood for Mayor of Hackney once before in 2014 and was a borough leader for Yes to AV during the 2011 Fairer Votes referendum - where Hackney had the highest Yes vote in the country.

Simon believes Hackney Labour isn't listening to residents and has no new ideas at the Town Hall. He is campaigning to "Shake it Up"