Election of the Lady Mayor of London 2025

On Monday, 29th September the wonderful pageant of the election of the Lady Mayor of the City of London took place. The following is a much-abridged version of this ancient ceremony.

The Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff of the 111 Livery Companies and the City Livery Committee assembled in the Crypts of the Guildhall.

From there they processed (senior companies last) to the Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewery. After a shortened service, the Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff (senior companies first) processed to the Crypts and thence to the Great Hall. The proceedings were then opened by the Common Cryer and Sergeant-at-Arms. The list of names of the Aldermen nominated for the position of Lord or Lady Mayor is then read out by the Common Sergeant. After a sequence of nomination of two of the Aldermen, the process of final selection takes place behind the closed doors of the Print Room where the door is guarded by the City Marshal.

During this process which, as explained by the Deputy Town Clerk is to take exactly 16 minutes, he proceeded to entertain the assembled Masters, Wardens, and Liveryman with a wonderfully humorous speech about the history of the event.

After precisely 16 minutes, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs and Officers, returned in procession to the Great Hall, the Lady Mayor-Elect being on the left-hand side of the Lord Mayor. The Recorder then declared the election to the Livery. The Lady Mayor-elect, Dame Susan Langley DBE, then declared her assent to take up office upon which the Swordbearer placed upon her the chain to be worn during her year of shrievalty. The Lady Mayor-elect, then addressed the Livery.

After many thanks and seconding the Common Hall was dissolved by the Common Cryer and Sergeant at Arms, upon the cry of “God save the King”.

The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayor-elect and officials then assembled in the courtyard to the peel of the church bells and fanfare of the State trumpeters of the Household Cavalry.

Together with our Master we then walked to the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers for a fine lunch.

The 697th Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, will take office after the Silent Ceremony on 7th November 2025.