Twenty‑five years ago, at the age of 29, I walked into Guildhall as a newly elected Common Councillor with far more opinions than experience and a touching faith that if one simply memorised the Standing Orders, everything would turn out all right. I still believe that last bit, although experience has taught me that rules… Continue reading 25 Years at Guildhall: opening doors in the City of London and beyond
Category: City of London
Hampstead Heath Ponds: A clear Judgment. A clear voice from London. And a clear path forward.
This morning’s High Court judgment refusing the judicial review application brought by Sex Matters against the City of London Corporation is an important moment for common sense, good governance, and decency. At the same time, the publication of the Corporation’s consultation on future access to the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds tells a powerful and hopeful… Continue reading Hampstead Heath Ponds: A clear Judgment. A clear voice from London. And a clear path forward.
Celebrating two decades of promoting inclusion in sport: my welcome remarks at Access Sport’s 20th Anniversary Dinner
The City of London Corporation was delighted to welcome Access Sport to Guildhall last night (27 November 2024) to celebrate the charity’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of making inclusion the norm in community sport by tackling access barriers faced by disadvantaged and disabled young people. As Lead Member for Sport, it was my privilege… Continue reading Celebrating two decades of promoting inclusion in sport: my welcome remarks at Access Sport’s 20th Anniversary Dinner
The future of Smithfield and Billingsgate – my contribution to the debate on the City of London’s markets
The City of London’s governing body, the Court of Common Council, took the difficult decision on Tuesday (26 November 2024) not to proceed with its plans to collocate its wholesale food markets on a new site in Dagenham, East London, and also to close the present Billingsgate and Smithfield markets in the coming years. Much… Continue reading The future of Smithfield and Billingsgate – my contribution to the debate on the City of London’s markets
Pride in the City 2023
I had the privilege of hosting the reception at Guildhall following the Pride flag raising in June 2023. Here is the speech I gave welcoming the over 200 guests that evening.
“We have always stood up for the people. We have always stood up for the rule of law.” – my remarks to the City of London’s Common Council
On Thursday 10 October 2019, the City of London’s governing Court of Common Council boldly reiterated its longstanding support for the United Kingdom’s Independent Judiciary and the Rule of Law. The motion, proposed by my colleagues Deputy Tom Sleigh and Alderman Tim Hailes came in response to recent attacks on the judiciary by public figures… Continue reading “We have always stood up for the people. We have always stood up for the rule of law.” – my remarks to the City of London’s Common Council
A true leader in London, Haringey’s Claire Kober speaks out for inclusive visionary leadership, and warns against populism and surrendering power to vocal minorities
Every so often I have the privilege of hearing a speech that is inspiring and thought provoking. As readers of my blog will know, my political inspiration doesn’t always from ‘my side of the aisle’ and so it was last week, when a Labour politician grabbed my attention and my applause by the power and… Continue reading A true leader in London, Haringey’s Claire Kober speaks out for inclusive visionary leadership, and warns against populism and surrendering power to vocal minorities
The LGBT Rainbow Flag will fly above the City of London Guildhall every year from now on!
The City of London’s governing Court of Common Council agreed on Thursday 20 July to adopt a motion which means that the LGBT Pride Flag, the Rainbow Flag, will fly above the ancient Guildhall every year to mark Pride week in London. In proposing the motion, which was signed by 40 elected Members of the… Continue reading The LGBT Rainbow Flag will fly above the City of London Guildhall every year from now on!
Recent events a wake-up call to politicians: austerity must end, we need a kinder, fairer way
In My Opinion piece written for The Smithfield Gazette, June 2017 The last twelve months in British and global politics, along with incidents of domestic and international terrorism, and the horrendous fire at Grenfell Tower in West London must surely be the wake-up call needed for those of us involved in public life to think… Continue reading Recent events a wake-up call to politicians: austerity must end, we need a kinder, fairer way
St Paul’s Remembrance: “Brexit and Trump were won with lies and fear. Two world wars were won with truth and courage.”- I agree.
Yesterday’s Remembrance Sunday service at St Paul’s Cathedral was, as usual, a moving and solemn occasion. It was attended by the City’s new Lord Mayor, the Aldermen and Common Councilmen, as well Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and many representatives of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and countless old comrades from former… Continue reading St Paul’s Remembrance: “Brexit and Trump were won with lies and fear. Two world wars were won with truth and courage.”- I agree.
C. E. Lord OBE 