Order, order! Council Speaker visits to talk about her duties

Pupils learned about local democracy in action when the Speaker of Hackney Council paid them a visit.

Following a guided tour of the Cazenove Road school, Councillor Clare Potter, who will be coming to the end of her term of office on 22 May, was quizzed on her role and political life in the borough. During her tour of the school, Cllr Potter visited a music lesson where pupils performed a medley of songs to celebrate her term in office as Speaker of the Council.

During the visit, pupils learned that:

• Hackney Council has a directly elected mayor with executive powers, so the role of Speaker fulfils many of the ceremonial and public duties traditionally associated with the mayor.
• The Speaker of the Council is a serving councillor elected to the office for one year by fellow council members at their annual general meeting
• The Speaker chairs full council meetings, represents the council at public events and civic receptions, and welcomes visitors to Hackney.

Cllr Clare Potter, Speaker of Hackney Council, said:

“I really enjoyed my visit to the Olive School, Hackney as part of the Council’s ongoing engagement. I particularly enjoyed the guided tour I received, and would like to thank all the staff and pupils for such a warm welcome.”

Principal Caterina Park said:

“Thank you so much to Cllr Potter for taking the time to come to visit the children. We would like to wish her all the best for the future and hope that she will come back and visit us soon.”

Councillor Clare Potter, Speaker of Hackney Council, visited The Olive School, Hackney to talk about her role

Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 9th May 2019 | Posted In: Latest News