Haringey Council Appoints Cllr Ibrahim Ali to Transport Cabinet

Key Points

• Cllr Ibrahim Ali appointed as the new cabinet member for climate action, environment, and transport on Haringey Council, effective January 12, 2026.
• Appointment follows the resignation of Cllr Mike Hakata from the same role due to personal reasons.
• Cllr Peray Ahmet, leader of Haringey Council, thanked Cllr Hakata for his hard work in tackling climate and biodiversity emergencies and building a fairer, greener borough.
• Cllr Hakata served Haringey residents for nearly eight years, expressing pride in achievements on climate action, active travel, and community-led environmental projects.
• Cllr Ali represents Bruce Castle ward since May 2022 and chairs the council’s standards committee.
• Cllr Ahmet welcomed Cllr Ali, anticipating his drive, passion, and resident-focused decision-making.

Haringey, London – Haringey Council has appointed a new cabinet member for transport following a resignation. (North London News) January 12, 2026 – Haringey Council leader Cllr Peray Ahmet announced the immediate appointment of Cllr Ibrahim Ali as the new cabinet member for climate action, environment, and transport after Cllr Mike Hakata stepped down for personal reasons. The change took effect on January 12, ensuring continuity in the council’s efforts to address environmental challenges and improve transport in the borough. This reshuffle reflects ongoing adjustments in local governance amid priorities for sustainability and resident services.

Who is the New Cabinet Member?

Cllr Ibrahim Ali, who has represented the Bruce Castle ward since his election in May 2022, now assumes the critical cabinet role with immediate effect. In addition to his ward duties, Cllr Ali chairs the council’s standards committee, bringing experience in oversight and governance to his new position. Council leader Cllr Peray Ahmet expressed confidence in his appointment, stating, “I look forward to welcoming Cllr Ali into the cabinet and know he will bring drive, passion and put Haringey residents at the heart of every decision.”

This transition maintains momentum on key portfolios including climate action, environmental protection, and transport enhancements, areas vital to Haringey’s green agenda. Cllr Ali’s background in local representation positions him to build on recent initiatives, such as promoting active travel and community environmental projects.

Why Did Cllr Mike Hakata Resign?

Cllr Mike Hakata resigned from his role as cabinet member for climate action, environment, and transport for personal reasons, as confirmed in official council statements. Having served Haringey residents for nearly eight years, Cllr Hakata reflected positively on his tenure, saying, “It’s been a privilege to serve Haringey residents for nearly eight years and to work in this administration to build a fairer, greener borough. I’m proud of what we achieved together on climate action, active travel, and community-led environmental projects.”

His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the council’s environmental leadership, during which he spearheaded efforts against climate and biodiversity emergencies. The swift appointment of a successor underscores the council’s commitment to uninterrupted progress on these fronts.

What Did the Council Leader Say About the Change?

Cllr Peray Ahmet, leader of Haringey Council, issued a statement thanking Cllr Hakata for his contributions. She remarked, “I want to thank Mike for all his hard work as a cabinet member in spearheading the council’s efforts to tackle the climate and bio-diversity emergencies and build a fairer and greener borough.” Ahmet also highlighted the incoming member’s potential, reinforcing stability in the cabinet.

This public acknowledgment from the council leader emphasises gratitude and forward-looking optimism, common in local government transitions to maintain public trust. No further details on Cllr Hakata’s future plans were disclosed, respecting his personal circumstances.

How Does This Affect Haringey’s Transport and Environment Plans?

The portfolio covers climate action, environment, and transport, integral to Haringey’s ambitions for a sustainable borough. Under Cllr Hakata, progress included advancing active travel options like cycling infrastructure and community-driven green projects, aligning with broader London-wide net-zero goals. Cllr Ali’s entry promises continuity, with his resident-centred approach likely to prioritise accessible transport solutions amid growing demands for low-emission public services.

Haringey, encompassing diverse areas from Wood Green to Tottenham, faces challenges like traffic congestion and air quality issues. The new cabinet member’s role will involve steering policies on electric vehicle adoption, green spaces, and biodiversity protection, ensuring alignment with the council’s Fairer Haringey plan.

What is Cllr Ibrahim Ali’s Background?

Elected in May 2022 for Bruce Castle ward, Cllr Ali has focused on local standards and accountability as chair of the standards committee. This role involves upholding ethical governance, reviewing complaints, and maintaining transparency—skills directly transferable to cabinet responsibilities. His relatively recent entry into council politics brings fresh perspectives to long-standing environmental portfolios.

Residents in Bruce Castle, a ward blending residential and green spaces, have seen Cllr Ali advocate for community needs, from housing to local services. His appointment elevates him to a borough-wide influence, where decisions impact over 270,000 Haringey inhabitants.

What Achievements Did Cllr Hakata Highlight?

Cllr Hakata emphasised collective successes during his tenure. He noted pride in “climate action, active travel, and community-led environmental projects,” which likely encompass initiatives like tree-planting drives, low-traffic neighbourhoods, and partnerships with residents for eco-projects. These efforts contributed to Haringey’s progress towards its 2030 carbon neutrality target.

Over nearly eight years, his work supported the administration’s vision for a fairer, greener borough, including responses to biodiversity loss through protected habitats and sustainable transport upgrades. His statement reflects a legacy of collaboration amid fiscal constraints typical in local councils.

Who is Cllr Peray Ahmet and Her Role in the Appointment?

As leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet oversees the cabinet and strategic direction. A long-serving figure, she has guided the authority through post-pandemic recovery, housing developments, and green transitions. Her dual statements—thanking the outgoing member and welcoming the new—demonstrate balanced leadership.

Ahmet’s comments position the change as positive, signalling no disruption to ongoing programmes. In Haringey’s Labour-led administration, her endorsement carries weight in maintaining cabinet cohesion.

When and How Was the Appointment Made?

The appointment occurred on January 12, 2026, with immediate effect, bypassing prolonged vacancies. Haringey Council’s procedures allow leaders to reassign portfolios swiftly, subject to full council ratification if needed. Official announcements via council channels ensured transparency, with statements from all principals quoted verbatim.

This timing, early in the municipal year, aligns with budget planning cycles, enabling Cllr Ali to influence upcoming transport and environment allocations.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for the New Cabinet Member?

Haringey grapples with London-wide issues like funding shortfalls, rising costs, and net-zero mandates. Transport portfolios demand balancing car dependency with pedestrian and cycle prioritisation, while environmental goals require tackling urban heat and pollution. Cllr Ali must navigate partnerships with Transport for London and central government grants.

Personal drive, as noted by Cllr Ahmet, will prove essential amid resident expectations for tangible improvements, such as safer roads and expanded green corridors.

How Has the Council Responded to Past Reshuffles?

Haringey has seen cabinet adjustments before, often due to personal or political shifts, with quick replacements to sustain service delivery. This instance mirrors that pattern, prioritising stability. No opposition criticism surfaced immediately, suggesting broad acceptance.

The council’s proactive communication, including direct quotes, fosters accountability—a hallmark of good governance.

Broader Context in North London Councils?

Similar changes occur across North London, from Barnet to Enfield, as councils refresh line-ups for 2026 priorities. Haringey’s move reinforces regional focus on climate resilience, with shared challenges like Thameslink upgrades and ULEZ expansion. Cllr Ali’s role positions Haringey competitively in cross-borough collaborations.

Residents can expect policy continuity, with potential innovations from the new member’s standards expertise ensuring ethical implementation.