Keith Bottomley has taken over as Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee.

Keith, who was previously Deputy Chair of the committee, succeeds Jeremy Simons. He has served as an elected Member for nearly five years. His other City Corporation responsibilities include serving on the Policy and Resources Committee, Police Authority Board and the Education Board. Keith is also a Governor for three City of London Corporation Bermondsey Academies and is a Governor at the City of London School.

Keith Bottomley, Chairman of the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, said:

“This is one of the City's most central and long established committees with a very broad remit and responsibility for a number of key public services. Top of the agenda is continued improvement in air quality and taking bold action on climate."

“I want to say a huge thank you to Jeremy for all that he has achieved in the last three years – including overseeing a far-reaching air quality strategy for the City, the UKs first fully electric fleet of Refuse Collection Vehicles and a significant increase in trade at the ports.

“Protecting the environment and facilitating trade have never been more important. The pandemic has seen everyone re-evaluating and looking at things differently. The Port Health and Environmental Services Committee has an important role to play in helping to ensure that the City of London Corporation shows leadership, innovation and continued commitment to all those who rely on what we do."

Keith is a Chartered Banker and communications professional and former Director of Communications at Royal Bank of Scotland. 

He is passionate about supporting young people and about education. He is Chairman of Partnership for Young London which advances and influences London, regional and central government on youth policy. He is Director of the Central Foundation Schools of London and Trustee of Housing for the Homeless Central Fund.

The City of London Corporation acts as the London Port Health Authority, the largest port health authority in the UK. As the London Port Health Authority, the City of London Corporation is responsible for all port health functions on the Thames, including imported food and feed controls, infectious disease controls, food safety and hygiene including water quality, shellfish controls, vessel inspections and issue of ship sanitation documentation and environmental controls

The City of London Corporation has a strong commitment to improving air quality in the Square Mile and wider London and to reducing public exposure to air pollution. Air quality in the City of London is now improving. The City Corporation’s launched its revised Air Quality Strategy in late 2019. Aside from outlining how the City Corporation will carry out its statutory duty to improve air quality, one of the main aims of the strategy is for 90% of the City to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for nitrogen dioxide by 2025.

The governing body has banned new diesel vehicles from its own fleet and is leading a London-wide crackdown on idling engines. The City Corporation’s CityAir app gives over 30,000 Londoners low pollution travel routes, advice and alerts. It is leading on an Emissions Reduction Bill to give London’s local authorities tough new powers to tackle air pollution caused by boilers, construction machinery and diesel generators.

The City of London Corporation’s Animal Health Service plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with UK, EU and international regulatory standards covering animal health and welfare controls. The City Corporation’s Animal Health Service includes the operation of Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), which assesses all animals entering the UK through Heathrow Airport.

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

Media enquires

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125