Lord Mayor of London

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London is the Mayor of the City of London and head of the Corporation of London. The Lord Mayor of London is to be distinguished from the Mayor of London; the former is an officer only of the City of London, while the Mayor of London governs a much larger area known as Greater London. Within the City of London, the Lord Mayor has precedence over other individuals and has various special powers, rights and privileges.

Election

The Lord Mayor is elected by Common Hall, a body of representatives of the City's Livery Companies. Common Hall is summoned by the sitting Lord Mayor; it meets at Guildhall on Michaelmas Day (29 September) or on the closest weekday. Voting is by show of hands; if, however, any liveryman so demands, balloting is held a fortnight later.

Related Topics:
Livery Companies - Guildhall - Michaelmas Day - 29 September

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Since 1385, prior service as Sheriff has been mandatory for election to the Lord Mayoralty. Two Sheriffs are selected annually by Common Hall, which meets on Midsummer's Day for the purpose. By an ordinance of 1435, the Lord Mayor must be chosen from amongst the Aldermen of the City of London. The people of the city's 25 wards selects one alderman, who holds office for life or until resignation. It is, however, customary for each alderman to submit himself for re-election at least once in six years. An individual elected Lord Mayor need not relinquish membership of the Court of Aldermen.

Related Topics:
1385 - Midsummer's Day - 1435 - Aldermen

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The Lord Mayor is then sworn in in November, on the day before the Lord Mayor's Show (see below). The ceremony is known as the "Silent Ceremony" because, aside from a short declaration by the incoming Lord Mayor, no speeches are made. At Guildhall, the outgoing Lord Mayor transfers the mayoral insignia—the Seal, the Purse, the Sword and the Mace—to the incoming Lord Mayor.

Related Topics:
November - Mace

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