Leading figures from the science, medicine, business, academia, education, and arts sectors have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London during a group ceremony, hosted by Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli.

The second ceremony of its kind to be held this year, today’s event brought together the 40 recipients to be honoured at the Lord Mayor’s official residence, The Mansion House, for outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

The awards were given as part of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Connect to Prosper’ theme, which focuses on the City's expertise in areas including finance, law, art, and engineering, and brings together experts from diverse backgrounds to work on critical global challenges, such as climate change and AI.

Some of the recipients include Professor of Warnings and Science Communication at UCL’s Department of Science & Technology Studies, Professor Carina Fearnley; historian, Professor David Edgerton; actress and director, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, JN Bank, and Deputy Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, Paulette Simpson CBE; autism and race advocacy campaigner, Reena Anand; and restaurateur, Søren Jessen. 

They were nominated for the City’s award by the Lord Mayor and elected City of London Corporation Member, Alderman Alastair King.

Speaking after the ceremony, Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:

"These people are remarkable individuals who exemplify the City of London’s spirit of innovation and dedication, and have enriched the Square Mile’s diverse tapestry with their impressive achievements and contributions to public life.

“Today's ceremony embodies the essence of connectivity that underscores my mayoral theme, ‘Connect to Prosper’, celebrating our many Knowledge Miles and showcasing the Square Mile's ability to bring people together, across different areas of expertise, to find solutions to our planet's biggest challenges."

City of London Corporation Alderman Alastair King said:

“It is inspiring and humbling to take in the sheer breadth of talent and expertise demonstrated by individuals such as today’s recipients of the Freedom of the City of London.

“Their collective achievements highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in driving progress, and it was a pleasure to join the Lord Mayor in supporting their awards.”

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.

Recent high-profile recipients include theatre entrepreneurs, Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter; former Managing Director and Chief Privacy Officer at the London Stock Exchange, Vivienne Artz; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.

ENDS

Notes to 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

Full list of recipients of Freedom awards: