The City has elected its leader for the next year, with Charles Bowman voted in as the 690th Lord Mayor of the City of London.
The Lime Street alderman and senior partner with PriceWaterhouseCooper was elected to the top job by the City’s liverymen and Court of Aldermen during the Common Hall on Michaelmas Day on 29 September.
He will succeed current Lord Mayor Dr Andrew Parmley in serving as a global ambassador for the Square Mile and as the head of the City of London’s Court of Common Council.
Mr Bowman said he was “immensely looking forward” to his formal appointment at the Silent Ceremony on 10 November, which is traditionally followed by the Lord Mayor’s Show the day after.
“The City of London is a national asset for the UK, accounting for billions of pounds in revenue and taxes and creating millions of jobs across the UK,” he said.
“It is also a unique, cultural and diverse institution and it will be an honour to become the 690th Lord Mayor.”
In his role as a champion of the UK’s financial and professional services industry, Mr Bowman said he would “champion a Brexit that works for City firms and communities” and promised regular dialogue with the Government to ensure it happens.
“We are clear that we want to see mutual access to EU markets continue, ensure early agreement on a transitional deal and make sure we continue to allow the brightest and best to find jobs in the UK,” he said.
The chairman of the audit quality forum of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales spoke of his aims to improve the public’s trust in financial and professional services sectors through his ‘Business of Trust’ programme.
“We also need to do more to demonstrate the value and integrity of the City to the public,” he said.
“During my year in office, through the ‘Business of Trust’ programme, I will be challenging business to raise its game – better business trusted by society.
“All too often business is scored poorly when the public is asked about its role in society. I will look to develop a progressive and lasting legacy to help the City tackle this issue over the coming years.”
Dr Parmley tweeted his congratulations to the incoming Lord Mayor:
Congratulations Charles, I’m sure you will do brilliantly. https://t.co/pjm5pYeWHa
— Lord Mayor of London (@citylordmayor) September 29, 2017
Check out City Matters next week for a full report.
