Alastair King elected as next Lord Mayor of the City of London

Alderman Alastair King DL has today [30 September 2024] been elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London.

As the elected head of the City of London Corporation, he will serve as a global ambassador for the UK financial and professional services industry from Friday 8 November for a one-year term. He will succeed current Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli.

The annual Lord Mayor’s Show takes place on Saturday 9 November, which will be Alderman King’s first public engagement. It will be followed by the Lord Mayor’s Banquet on Monday 2 December at Guildhall.

The Lord Mayor acts as an international spokesperson for the City, leading business delegations overseas to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry.

In the role Alderman King will meet government representatives from around the world, alongside business leaders and policy makers both at home and abroad. He will work to strengthen global economic ties with the UK, identify new business opportunities, and promote the UK as a top global destination for foreign investment.

During his Mayoral year, Alderman King will champion his ‘Growth Unleashed’ theme, by promoting a revitalised, resilient, and risk-ready City. His theme will focus on challenging industry to maximise opportunities through responsible risk taking, driving the adoption of technologies, and celebrating the successes of the many diverse communities across the UK.

‘Growth Unleashed’ will look to drive growth and investment particularly in areas where the UK has a competitive advantage. As habitual early adopters of dynamic new technologies, the programme will seek to mobilise private capital to early-stage companies, productive sectors of the economy and promote pro-innovation regulation.

He will also champion the City and UK’s diverse communities by establishing new networks to bring together different communities to foster collaboration, celebrate achievements, promote growth.

Lord Mayor Elect, Alderman Alastair King DL, said:

“It is a tremendous honour to be elected as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London.

“London remains the world’s leading financial centre, but global competition is fierce. We have the expertise and talent to thrive, yet we must do more to unlock growth, equip people to innovate, and harness the remarkable dynamic diversity that makes the City exceptional. Growth Unleashed is a commitment to be bolder, think smarter and take our foot off the brake.

“The City must reignite its appetite for risk, seize our national edge in innovation, and support the productive parts of the economy. Only then can we secure our position as the world’s top financial hub.”