All change in the City of London!

Ordinarily, the 25 Wards in The City elect an Alderman every six years. Usually, those elections are not all held at the same time - there’s balance. In addition, every four years, 100 Common Councillors are elected with varying numbers per Ward between two and five. Covid has meant that the last round of elections did not take place. So next year, several different things collide to create a series of changes simultaneously.

Arriving in London by train the other day (it still feels like something of a novelty post-lockdown), and over the tannoy system came the traditional command: ‘All change please. All change!’

In the City of London right now, this perfectly prosaic order feels more prevalent than ever. The changes that are about to happen regarding its governance are more extraordinary than any I can remember. All change please, indeed.

What’s changing?

Ordinarily, the 25 Wards in The City elect an Alderman every six years. Usually, those elections are not all held at the same time - there’s balance. In addition, every four years, 100 Common Councillors are elected with varying numbers per Ward between two and five.

Covid has meant that the last round of elections did not take place. So next year, several different things collide to create a series of changes simultaneously:

• March/April 2022 will see the delayed election of Common Councilmen. These will be for individuals to fill the roles for three years instead of the usual four to bring the system back in line. Up to a quarter of Common Councilmen are expected to step down, and most positions are likely to be contested, not just of those 25 but of the full 100.
  
  
• Covid has also meant delays to the election process for Aldermen. Five elections are likely to arise in the Spring and, given Aldermen commit to retiring at the age of 70 with several reaching that milestone, a possible further four later in the year. Their retirement represents a significant loss of experience and expertise from the Court of Aldermen that will be sorely missed at a time where experience is something we need to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Indeed, this number includes many of the most senior Aldermen Past the Chair. As a result of this, some of the current Junior Aldermen will escalate very quickly in the hierarchy.

A review of processes

In addition, last year’s Independent Review by Lord Lisvane (the Lisvane Report) for The City of London Corporation has sought to modernise processes. It made several recommendations, including reducing the number of committees from around 135 to 90 for the sake of efficiency and some required cost savings of about 12%.

Traditionally, no one, from Aldermen to Common Councilmen, receives payment. However, part of the report proposes that from October 2022, Common Councilmen may be able to claim up to £7,500 in expenses and subsequently, at a time to be determined, officeholders may well be able to claim specific allowances rumoured to be up to £70,000 per year.

The purpose of such proposals is, of course, to make the governance of The City more egalitarian, which is marvellous. However, as with all things, they open up the possibility of other issues. These are, after all, roles that need to be filled by people who want to give back to The City rather than being motivated by remuneration. It is a significant change.

As if that wasn’t enough, there is a possibility that a significant element of party politics may enter The City governance for the first time. Currently, as for most of the City’s 1000+ year history, almost everyone stands as an independent. However, there are suggestions that a significant number of candidates may be put forward under a political banner.

The importance of the City's Livery Companies

Suffice to say; there’s a lot going on. However, one thing that isn’t fundamentally changing (except it has an updated job description befitting the modern world) is the role of the Non-Aldermanic Sheriff, elected solely by the City's Livery.

Of the three constituent parts of governance (the Common Council, the Court of Aldermen, and the City's Livery Companies), the Livery is an integral part of democracy in The City electing, upon recommendation, both the Lord Mayor and the Aldermanic Sheriff and electing from its number the Non-Aldermanic Sheriff - the last genuinely independent vote for a member of the Civic Team. With the many upcoming changes in mind, the position of Non-Aldermanic Sheriff is more critical than ever, because its holder is likely to have the opportunity to play a much more active role in The City, given the retirement of the number of Past Lord Mayors who would typically provide invaluable support to the Lord Mayor of the year. The position remains voluntary and currently is expected to consume many days a week.

With so many new people and possible changes coming into these essential pillars of City organisation and community, the Livery has even greater importance in ensuring those newly elected have an overview of The City, understand its traditions and honour the traditional commitment to support The City first, before party politics or personal agenda. The role can provide some vital continuity as the City of London Corporation members are in flux.

Governance that represents the community

These City elections remain unique in many ways in the UK, both in electing its Aldermen and in the chemical make-up of the community. As only 10,000 or so people live in The City, much of its daily population is made up of the employees of companies. As a result, businesses still have votes, and I believe I am right in saying it is the only place in the UK where that’s the case. This right is based on occupying premises in the City.

It’s vital that businesses register to vote - which can be done until the 16^th of December -  because many don’t. This is fundamentally important because although there are a lot of large businesses in The City, and they get multiple votes according to size, SMEs make up over 98% of all companies within the Square Mile. There is also a problem for those who operate through flexible workspaces, and therefore don’t get a vote as they don’t own or lease the building - certainly something for debate.

While all elections are important, those in The City of London this year are pivotal. Change can be a very good thing, but so too is being anchored by experience. Being part of the process is good, and the more people who take part, who vote, who read, who are informed, the more representative the governance of The City will be of our community and its values.

I look forward to seeing what we can all achieve together.