Former City Minister Andrew Griffith MP has today received the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the UK’s financial services sector.

Andrew was nominated for the City’s award by former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir Nicholas Lyons, and the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward.

Andrew Griffith was elected to Parliament in December 2019 and served in senior government roles, including Economic Secretary to the Treasury – also known as the ‘City Minister’ - in 2022 and 2023, and Science Minister.

He worked with the Chancellor, Lord Mayor, Policy Chairman, and many others to improve the competitiveness of the financial services sector, including the Edinburgh Reforms and the Mansion House Compact. He was instrumental in working on the Financial Services & Markets Act 2023 and was lead Treasury Minister on the rescue of Silicon Valley Bank UK, the emergency acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS, and during the ‘LDI’ crisis.

After working in the City for PWC and NM Rothschild, Andrew joined Sky plc where he spent a 20-year career, serving for a time as the youngest FTSE 100 Chief Financial Officer, and was a member of Sky’s Board of Directors. Andrew also served as a Non-Executive Director and later, as Chairman of London-listed Just Eat plc.

Speaking after today’s ceremony, Andrew Griffith said:

“I am honoured to have been granted the Freedom of the City of London, and to have been nominated by the then Lord Mayor, Sir Nicholas Lyons, and Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward.

“Having worked at the intersection between finance and business all my professional life, I’ve long seen first-hand the global excellence of the City of London and its importance to the UK economy.

“The effective partnership that I formed with the Lord Mayor and Policy Chairman as the City Minister created a ‘re-set’ moment for the international competitiveness of the City. Combined with initiatives such as The Mansion House Compact, we together created a real opportunity to mobilise investment and grow the UK economy.”

Sir Nicholas Lyons said:

“A very enthusiastic supporter of the City with a refreshingly ‘can do’ attitude, my colleagues and I worked easily and productively with Andrew during my mayoralty.

“His achievements and contribution to the UK’s financial services sector were noteworthy and timely and in our view, Andrew is a very worthy recipient of the Freedom of the City of London.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

“Andrew Griffith has held several impressive roles in government and has delivered for the City of London time and time again.

“He recognises the crucial role played by the City as the engine in the UK’s economy, driving forward economic growth, creating jobs and investment, and I was delighted to support his Freedom award.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Over the last few years, recent high-profile recipients include actor and musician, Giles Terera; singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran; Roland Butcher, who is recognised as the first black cricketer to play for England; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk