The annual election of two Sheriffs of the City of London took place today (25 June) at Guildhall.

Alderman Vincent Keaveny and Elizabeth Green were elected and will take office on Friday 28 September. They succeed Alderman Timothy Hailes and Neil Redcliffe.

The office of Sheriff, a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor, is one of the oldest in existence and dates back to the Middle Ages. Their duties today include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry, at home and abroad, 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.

Alderman Vincent Keaveny is a partner and International Co-Chair of the Financial Services Sector at international law firm, DLA Piper LLP. He advises banks and companies throughout the UK and Europe on banking, finance and capital markets matters. He served on the Committee of the City of London Law Society from 2006 to 2013 and was President of the Society in 2014/15. Born and raised in Ireland, he was admitted as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales in 1992 and has spent his practising career in the City of London. Vincent is a City of London Alderman and represents the Ward of Farringdon Within. His City of London interests include membership of the Board of Governors for the City of London School.

Elizabeth Green has a background in retail, including with Tie Rack and Next, and is currently director of her farming company in Suffolk. Elizabeth joined the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters in 1991 and was elected to its Court in 2012. Elizabeth has been involved in charity endeavours for over 25 years, fundraising extensively for several charities. This has been for local organisations in addition to the City and its extensive Livery work.

The Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), 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

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1452 / Mobile: 07795 333060 / Email andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk