Ian Rathbone was born in Hackney and is married, with grown up children. He is chair of Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group (CPNAG), being a keen environmentalist, also championing wild areas on the marshes with others. He led the campaign which has seen the recent installation of the new play area at the Pond.

He has continued to actively campaign for the expansion of Chatsworth Road market, which he helped to found 12 years ago, the growth of other Hackney markets, and of opportunities in markets for young people.

He is also Chair of Hackney Community Law Centre, strongly believing that having access to justice is for everyone.

He believes in working in a team with Cllrs Deniz Oguzkanli and Margaret Gordon.