Press releases New Lord Mayor elected for City of London
Tuesday 29 September 2009

Alderman Nick Anstee, on the occasion of his election as Lord Mayor of London

ABOUT THE LORD MAYOR:

The Lord Mayor is the annually elected Head of the City of London which provides local government and police services for the Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the world-leading international financial and business city through its policies and services.

ABOUT THE CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION:

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision (including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to charity annually.

PRESS CONTACT:

Sanjay Odedra, 020 7332 1835 / 07831 542 856

THE City today elected Nick Anstee as the 682nd Lord Mayor of the City of London, to serve from Friday 13 November (Lord Mayor’s Show and fireworks Saturday 14 November).

Alderman Nick Anstee, who served as Sheriff of the City 2003-2004, is an eminent City figure, a senior director of the international law firm SJ Berwin and chartered accountant with a long-standing commitment to public service.

The annually-elected Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London Corporation and acts during the year as global ambassador for the whole UK-based financial services industry, typically spending three months a year leading City business delegations overseas – and also meeting leading overseas politicians and business leaders visiting London’s financial community.

Lord Mayor Elect Nick Anstee’s charitable appeal Pitch Perfect will be on behalf of the London Symphony Orchestra and the Cricket Foundation. The aim of the Appeal is to bring musical and sporting opportunities to young people in the disadvantaged boroughs of East London.

Speaking after his election, Lord Mayor Elect Nick Anstee, said:

“The financial services sector has survived the worst of the recent crisis but key parts need reform to win back trust and make the system more stable.

“London is a world leading financial centre and must continue to take a lead on issues such as global regulatory reform.

“It is clear that the recent G20 meeting in Pittsburgh has set an agenda for policymakers across the world. Although I do not take office until November, I would encourage the City to continue to engage in debate to ensure that any reforms are well-directed, effective, proportionate and maintain the City’s competitiveness.”

The Lord Mayor Elect, as he is known after today’s election, does not take office until the Silent Ceremony, which is held in Great Hall, Guildhall on Friday 13 November at 3pm, the day preceding the Lord Mayor’s Show (Saturday 14 November). The Lord Mayor’s Banquet, at which the Prime Minister speaks, follows on Monday 16 November at Guildhall.

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