The annual Election of Sheriffs of the City of London has been held at Guildhall’s Common Hall today (24 June 2019).

Michael Mainelli and Christopher Hayward were elected and will take office on Friday 27 September. They succeed Alderman Vincent Keaveny and Elizabeth Green.

Born in the USA and educated at Harvard University, Trinity College Dublin, and the London School of Economics, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli has worked in finance and technology in the City since 1984, was elected Alderman for the Ward of Broad Street in 2013, and is Immediate Past Master of the World Traders. His responsibilities have included serving as Trustee of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, Morden College, Christ’s Hospital, and Gresham College, where he is also Emeritus Professor of Commerce.

Christopher Hayward, who was elected to the City Corporation’s Common Council in 2013, is the former Chairman of the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, and a member of the City Livery Committee and Court of the Guild of Freemen. He has business experience in property, infrastructure, and planning and strategic communication. His other responsibilities include Trustee of Barts Hospital Guild and Housing the Homeless Central Fund.

The office of Sheriff, a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor of the City of London, is one of the oldest in existence and dates back to the Middle Ages.

The Sheriffs’ modern-day duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving, both, at home and abroad, as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry by promoting the UK as a place in which to do business.

They also support Her Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) in promoting the importance of the English rule of law to businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures.

The new Sheriffs will hold the position for one year.

The Central Criminal Court, where the Sheriffs work and reside, is recognised as the most famous criminal court in the world and is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

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