There are officially two new sheriffs in town, with Liz Green and alderman Vincent Keaveny winning the City’s shrieval elections at Common Hall on Monday.
The City’s liveryman turned out at Guildhall in their droves to vote Ms Green in for 2018/19, beating out Richard Fleck and Gwen Rhys, for the non-aldermanic sheriff position currently occupied by Neil Redcliffe.
Farringdon Within alderman Mr Keaveny stood unopposed for aldermanic sheriff, which is customary for a role considered to be the ‘Lord Mayor-in-waiting’. He was selected for the Court of Aldermen’s nomination back in May 2017, and will take over from current aldermanic sheriff Tim Hailes from September.
The Livery Companies of the City of London have been meeting in Common Hall for centuries to elect the 2 Sheriffs each year. Congratulations to @VincentKeaveny and @LizGreenWCFK on their election as Sheriffs for 2018/19 @cityoflondon #commonhall pic.twitter.com/bPHkMj0FnC
— Keith Bottomley CC (@Keithbottomley) June 25, 2018
The City’s liverymen elects two sheriffs each year to support the Lord Mayor in their civic duties, serve as ambassadors for the financial services industry, and officiate at the sessions at the Old Bailey. All members of the City’s 110 livery companies are eligible to vote at the ceremony, which is traditionally held on 24 June – Midsummer’s Day.
Clear election for @VincentKeaveny & @LizGreenWCFK as sheriffs for next year. Well done to all @cityoflondon for their preparations for today. pic.twitter.com/DYLB3FTaZb
— City Solicitors (@CLSC2) June 25, 2018
Congratulations to #FarringdonWithin Alderman @VincentKeaveny on his election along with @LizGreenWCFK as Sheriffs for the coming year!
— Graeme Smith CC (@GraemeCity) June 25, 2018
The final tally is yet to be released but common councillors, aldermen and livery members were quick to extend their congratulations, particularly to Ms Green for her hardwon battle.
Master Sheila Turner at Guildhall to vote for @LizGreenWCFK pic.twitter.com/6CPbWm4dcj
— Framework Knitters (@WCFKnitters) June 25, 2018
The former marketing executive and third-generation member of the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters said her bid was founded on “wholehearted support of the livery, the Lord Mayor and the City of London.”
“If elected to the ancient role of sheriff, I would very much welcome the opportunity to further highlight the excellent work carried out by all livery companies in increasing outreach, improving lives and making the City relevant to all.”
She joined the Framework Knitters by patrimony in 1991 and in 2012 entered the Court of Alderman, serving as Master Framework Knitter through 2016/17.
“I am very proud to be a third generation Master Framework Knitter, following my father (1980) and both grandfathers (1944 and 1950), the latter of whom founded successful hosiery companies in Leicester, and my father worked for the family firm (Byford’s) until it was sold.” she explained. Her paternal grandfather was also Master of the Gardeners’ Company, while two uncles served as Master Framework Knitter, one of whom was also Master Baker.
Her mother, Baroness Byford, was elected Master Farmer in October 2013 but following the death of her father six weeks after her mum took office, Liz acted as consort throughout the year.
“We are the first mother and daughter to both be Master of a City Livery Company,” she said.
She added: “I pledge my full commitment, energy and skills to supporting the livery movement, the Lord Mayor, the shrieval team and HM judges.”
Mr Keaveny has been alderman for the Ward of Farringdon Within since 2013, and he is currently a member of the City’s freedom applications committee, and has previously served on the Corporation’s finance, planning and transportation, and City Bridge Trust committees.
Particular areas of focus for Vincent as an elected Ward member include planning and development, pedestrian and road safety, air quality and the City’s cultural offering
He also devotes much of his time to the next generation as a governor of the City of London School and is chairman of the Samuel Wilson’s Loan Trust and is a member of the Court of The Honourable The Irish Society.
In 2014/15 Mr Keaveny held the title of Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company and is Under Warden of the Woolmen’s Company, but his livery status does not end there, and to his name boasts liveryman titles with the Distillers and Spectacle Makers.
To complete his social network Vincent is also senior patron of the Farringdon Ward Club and a member of the City Livery Club and City Pickwick Club.
