British financier elected as 696th Lord Mayor of City of London
A British financier and founder has been elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London. Alderman Alastair King, who was first elected as a Common Councillor for Queenhithe in 1999, replaces Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli.
The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London Corporation, the body governing the Square Mile, and is separate to the Mayor of London. Their role is largely concerned with supporting and promoting the UK financial and professional services industry on the global stage.
Prior to becoming Lord Mayor, candidates must be an Aldermanic Sheriff. This year's election, which is held at the Guildhall, took place earlier today (September 30).
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The Corporation has said that during Alderman King's mayoral year, which officially starts on November 8, he will champion a theme entitled 'Growth Unleashed'.
"His theme will focus on challenging industry to maximise opportunities through responsible risk taking, driving the adoption of technologies, and celebrating the successes of the many diverse communities across the UK," a release from the Corporation reads.
The annual Lord Mayor's show, which will be Alderman King's first public engagement in his new role, is planned for November 9. The Lord Mayor's banquet, a formal dinner organised to recognise the outgoing incumbent, is booked for December 2.
Following this morning's election, Alderman King said: "It is a tremendous honour to be elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London. London remains the world's leading financial centre, but global competition is fierce. We have the expertise and talent to thrive, yet we must do more to unlock growth, equip people to innovate, and harness the remarkable dynamic diversity that makes the City exceptional. Growth Unleashed is a commitment to be bolder, think smarter and take our foot off the brake.
"The City must reignite its appetite for risk, seize our national edge in innovation, and support the productive parts of the economy. Only then can we secure our position as the world's top financial hub."
According to his register of interests, Alderman King is a Chairman at Talbot Capital and Director at Slater Investments alongside his position as Chairman of Naisbitt King, a company he also founded. Companies House further lists him as a Chairman at the environmental foundation Common Earth.
The City of London Corporation publishes a list of gifts and hospitality the Lord Mayor receives during their time in office. For Alderman Mainelli, donors have varied from local companies to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and the Saudi Minister of Investment.
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