Benjamin Murphy

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney and Deputy Keith Bottomley have been elected at Guildhall’s Common Hall today to serve as the next Sheriffs of the City of London.

They will take office on 26 September, holding the position for one year, and are succeeding Gregory Jones KC and David Chalk.

The office of Sheriff of the City of London, a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor, is one of the oldest in existence  and dates back to the Middle Ages.

The Sheriffs’ modern-day duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving – both, at home and abroad – as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry by promoting the UK as a place in which to do business. Based at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), the office is an integral part of the City’s support for the rule of law.

A graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, serving in Canada, Germany, and the UK in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO), Brazilian-born Robert Hughes-Penney joined City stockbrokers Laurence Keen in 1993. He has spent over 30 years in the financial services sector, primarily, as an Investment Director at Rathbones, where he manages global multi-asset portfolios, and is the company’s representative and Chair of The CityUK Business Council. He served as a City of London Corporation Common Councillor for eight years before being elected as Alderman for the Ward of Cheap in 2018. Robert is a keen supporter of several charities, including Army Central Fund, Morden College, and Templeton Education & Charity Trust.

Keith Bottomley served as Deputy Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation for three years and has a strong background in business and the charity sector. A chartered banker and former Director of Communications at NatWest Group, Keith has held responsibility for a broad range of areas, including chairing the City of London BIDs strategic partnership, and working in close partnership on City-focused issues and policies with London and national Government. He is deputy chair of governors at the City of London School and a former governor at three City of London Corporation-sponsored academies and the new City Junior School. Keith also chairs Partnership for Young London, which influences London, regional, and central government on youth policy.

Sheriff Elect Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney said:
“During my year as the Aldermanic Sheriff, I will be guided by the principles that have shaped my career and public service, as set down by the mottos of the Haberdashers Company and Sandhurst: “Serve and Obey” and “Serve to Lead”. My fellow Sheriff, Keith, and I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity, and are committed to carrying out our duties with diligence and respect for the traditions of the role.”

Sheriff Elect Deputy Keith Bottomley said:
“My extensive business experience in the financial services, banking, and strategic communications sectors will stand me in good stead to work with Robert in supporting the mayoralty and His Majesty’s Judges in our combined efforts to promote the City in London, across the UK, and on the international stage.  During my year in this key ambassadorial role, which I take on with humility and dedication, I also plan to promote opportunity for young people, the value of skills and education, and the importance of diversity.”

In addition to their duties and responsibilities to assist the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs play a key role in supporting His Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court by promoting the importance of the English rule of law to businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures.

The Central Criminal Court, where the Sheriffs work and reside during their year, is recognised as the most famous criminal court in the world and is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney Acceptance Speech – Common Hall – 24th June 2025

My Lord Mayor, fellow Liverymen.
I stand before you today deeply honoured and profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me by electing me to serve as one of your sheriffs for the year 2025-26.
Since receiving the nomination from the Court of Aldermen last year, I have been very conscious that it is the Livery who form the electorate for this ancient office.
Accordingly, I have tried to meet, engage with, listen to, and learn from as many Livery Companies as possible — and it has been both a joy and a privilege to do so, and I am very grateful for your generosity, your time and your hospitality.
To all those who have extended support and encouragement along the way – from across the Livery, the Court of Aldermen, and the wider City – I offer my heartfelt thanks.
Town Clerk, for good order, may I formally place on record my acceptance of the office of Sheriff.
And as I do so it is with a deep awareness of the heritage and responsibility that comes with this role — the oldest secular office in the country after the Sovereign.
The role of Sheriff is not just ceremonial; it is fundamentally about supporting the Mayoralty in championing the City’s global standing and civic mission, and I commit to working with the Lord Mayor, and on a joint civic plan with his elected successor and my fellow Sheriff.
The office of Sheriff is also a living link to our City’s enduring values of justice, service, and civic duty, and I look forward to working closely with my fellow Shrieval candidate, whom I warmly congratulate.
In that spirit, the Justice for All Series which I will be launching will seek to explore why access to justice is not only a moral imperative, but also makes good economic sense.
We also look forward to including young people in our programme and will uphold and promote the City’s global stature both at home and abroad.
Throughout my career — whether serving in the Army, representing the Ward of Cheap, or working in finance — I have witnessed the power of community. In the year ahead, we will celebrate the achievements of our Livery Companies, support the charitable efforts that make our City stronger and more inclusive, and continue to honour all that makes this City a place of excellence and purpose.
I want to offer huge thanks to my family — to Elspeth and to all my supporters. Elspeth and I are very much looking forward to working with Keith and Kevin during our year together at the Old Bailey.
I am deeply humbled by this opportunity and aim to serve with diligence, integrity, and pride in our City’s shared heritage, and our future.

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Deputy Keith Bottomley Acceptance Speech – Common Hall – 24th June 2025

My Lord Mayor, Fellow Liverymen,
It is with a deep sense of service that I accept the office of Sheriff of this great and ancient City of London
It is of course a huge honour, pleasure and privilege to be elected Sheriff.
I will give the role my all and promise to serve you to the very best of my ability.
My campaign theme ‘Linking livery and city’ describes clearly what I want to bring to the role.
A deep commitment to, the livery – as immediate past Master Pattenmaker, a liveryman of the Fishmongers and Wheelwrights and Hon Freeman of the Environmental Cleaners, Hon Secretary of the City Livery Club and member of the Livery Committee – and my city credentials as a chartered banker and elected member of the City Corporation.
The support from the Livery has been fantastic. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting some 60 livery companies over the past 9 months. Thank you, on every occasion, for your most warm welcome.
I am passionate about our City and the Livery,
about our traditions and institutions, and about the role we play in a modern society… through our philanthropy and commitment to apprenticeships, education and skills.
In this era of political and economic uncertainty, a strong City is essential.
Building on our fundamental strengths and our commitment to innovating
To retain and attract businesses
To drive growth and build economic security and prosperity
To help secure our nation’s future and its place in the world.
And the Livery plays a unique part in promoting the City and doing business in many trades and professions.
Congratulations to Robert and Elspeth.
My Lord, I look forward to joining your civic team and, together with Robert, working with Dame Susan Langley (subject to election), in delivering our joint civic plan.
Emphasising the value of technical education for young people and linking more businesses with education through the livery.
Helping to reduce violent crime in young people by spreading existing best practice.
75% of defendants at the Old Bailey are under 25 years of age and getting younger.
Promoting the importance of diversity and the value of the rule of law as a foundation asset of the UK.
Of course, I could not do any of this without the love of my life the man I’m so proud to call my husband, my partner of 26 years, Kevin. Mr Pilates.
I know how much he is looking forward to the year. Thank you, Kevin.
We are very much looking forward to our year at the Old Bailey with Robert and Elspeth.
Together, Kevin and I make a full commitment to the Shrievalty, to the City, and to you, my fellow Liverymen.
My Lord Mayor