33. Lord Mayor’s Address to Master’s and Clerks.

This briefing, held in the Egyptian Room at the Mansion House, is attended by the Masters and Clerks of all the Livery Companies. It is the occasion when the Lord Mayor sets out his plans. In the past this has been largely confined to his year in office. This year, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Charles Bowman, with the backing of his Sheriffs, Tim Hailes and Neil Redcliffe, and also Aldermen Peter Estlin and William Russell, set out a programme for the promotion of the City over a period of 3 years. In a most impressive speech he set out plans to build a City that was Inclusive, Healthy, Skilled and Fair and to work with the Mayor of London and a number of charities to do so. He also plans to extensively promote the City abroad and do everything necessary to protect the Livery movement.

Shortly before this briefing an article appeared in “The Guardian” criticising “lavish” spending by the Corporation of London which included the labour shadow chancellor describing the Corporation as a “rotten borough” which should be abolished! Clearly there are going to be difficult times ahead.

I managed a few brief words with the Lord Mayor, congratulated him on his speech and pledged support where possible.