Today marks the start of a fresh civic year in the City of London. An opportunity to reflect upon progress to date and think about where, as Members, we can have a greater impact in the year ahead.
The day always starts with an opportunity to join a service at The Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall, led by the Guild Vicar, The Reverend James Titley. Taking time to reflect, pray and re-set our core moral purpose I find hugely rewarding. The attendance is led by the Lady Mayor, with our Sheriffs, Court of Aldermen, Court of Common Council and Chief Officers all coming together as one unit to serve.
The service was also supported by the wonder choir and the Parish Clerks Company.
Following the service, we break bread at Guildhall before the Court of Common Council convenes.
The first order of business is for the appointment of Chief Commoner. The Chief Commoner’s role was established in 1444. It is the only role directly elected by the entire Court of Common Council and the responsibilities include:
* Acting as an ambassador: The Chief Commoner represents the elected councillors at ceremonial occasions and promotes the aims and values of the City of London Corporation both internally and externally.
* Counsel and Scrutiny: They provide pastoral support to Members and lead the scrutiny of training and development opportunities.
* Hospitality Leadership: The Chief Commoner takes the lead in matters related to City Corporation hospitality, ensuring that events and functions are conducted in accordance with the Corporation’s standards.
Henry Pollard is the outgoing Chief Commoner, being replaced by Philip Woodhouse. The elections take place in October, to allow a hand-over period each year.
After that election takes place, there are ballots for a long list of other appointments to committees and external bodies, similar to ther local government institutions.
And once that process is complete, we move to the substantive business before the Court, requiring decisions, followed by Members questions to Committee Chairmen. You can follow the agenda here: Agenda for Court of Common Council on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026, 1.00 pm – Modern Council
The Court was keen to pay tribute to former Member Brian Mooney, who died this week. Brian represented the Ward of Queenhithe from 1998-2025. He was Ward Deputy from 2022 and only recently retired from the Court in March 2025 at which point he was succeeded by his daughter Sophia who was elected Common Councillor for the same Ward – something he was immensely proud of. In his time here, Mr Mooney served on a huge number of Committees. Most notable of these include his Chairmanship of the Ward Reception Committee for the visit of His Excellency the President of Ireland and long standing membership of the Planning & Transportation and Port Health & Environmental Services Committees. Mr Mooney also served in the office of Chief Commoner during the immensely challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic. His dedication to the City Corporation and support offered to his peers during this period resulted in him being elected for an exceptional second term of office. He was consequently awarded the British Empire Medal in 2023, in formal recognition for his services to the community in the City of London and Coggeshall in Essex. Mr Mooney was a man of many talents – among them a prize-winning journalist, author, linguist, and mountaineer. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
