This week is the start of a new civic year for the City of London, which requires the Court of Common Council convenes in the Great Hall at Guildhall to vote on committee memberships and it also signals the start of a fresh year for the Chief Commoner.
The Chief Commoner holds office for one year and acts as a counsellor when required. They take the lead in relation to the scrutiny of training and development opportunities offered to councillors. They actively promote the aims, values and responsibilities of the City of London Corporation internally – and externally in support of the Lord Mayor and the Policy Chairman – and take the lead in relation to hospitality.
The office of Chief Commoner, first established in 1444, is unique in that it is the only role now directly elected by the whole Court of Common Council and serves to recognise the contribution the office holder is likely to have made to the City Corporation over a number of years. The Chief Commoner is, therefore, the foremost representative of the elected councillors with regard to their rights and privileges – but equally, seeks to uphold the discipline and integrity of the Court.
Whilst the Court votes to elect the new Chief Commoner earlier in the year, the chair of office is removed and placed on the new Chief, followed by a handshake witnessed by the Court in the first meeting of each civic year. Ann Holmes is therefore replaced by incoming Chief, Peter Dunphy.
Prior to the meeting of the Court, the 125 Common Councillors, Alderman/women, Sheriffs and Lord Mayor assemble for a short Service in the Guild Church of St Lawrence Jewry. In the sermon, Members were reminded of the responsibilities and standards, which come with public office. The need to continue to support those less fortunate, to strive to improve the City for all its residents and workers and to uphold the dignity of the City of London.
