14. Election of Lord Mayor for 2021-22, September 29, 2021

City Liverymen gather at Michaelmas to elect the Lord Mayor at Common Hall. Unlike the Sheriffs, who are elected by the Livery alone, the Lord Mayor’s election process is shared with the City: they propose suitable candidates, this year only one candidate was put forward for 2021-22, the Livery agreed, and the Aldermen sorted it out in private, returning with Alderman Vincent Keaveny.

This was a slimmed down and carefully planned event because of Covid-19: the Church service at St Lawrence Jewry was cancelled and seat separation in the Great Hall meant that the usually crowded event was tranquil.


The Lord Mayor (in the black hat) with Lord Mayor Elect Vincent Keaveny, escorted by Sheriffs Alison Gowman and Nicholas Lyons.

Common Hall also agreed that Alderman Nicholas Lyons should be considered for 2022-23, and three names, including our Hon Freeman, Alderman Michael Mainelli, for 2023-24. This was followed by speeches and tributes to those surrendering office, and a fanfare as the Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor Elect left the Guildhall, protected by his Sheriffs. Vincent Keaveny takes Office on the Friday 12 November – i.e. the day before the Lord Mayor’s Show. Apart from ceremony, the Lord Mayor’s activities at home and abroad strongly support London as the place to do business

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