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A civic office older than most nations, this role sits at the heart of the Square Mile’s ceremonies, traditions, and global business ties. The Lord Mayor of the City of London is both a symbol of the capital’s medieval past and a public ambassador for its financial life today.

by City of London (England). Court of Aldermen, City of London (England). Lord Mayor
The Lord Mayor of the City of London is the ceremonial head of the City of London Corporation, the governing body for the historic Square Mile. It is a distinct role from the Mayor of London: while the Mayor of London leads Greater London, the Lord Mayor represents the much older City and its civic institutions.
The office reaches back to the medieval period and is one of the oldest continuously held civic posts in the world. Over time, the job has become closely tied to tradition, including the Lord Mayor’s Show, while also serving a modern purpose through public representation, diplomacy, and support for the UK’s financial and professional services sectors.
The current officeholder is Dame Susan Langley, who is described by the City of London as the 697th Lord Mayor and the third woman to hold the post. The role blends pageantry with practical advocacy, making it one of the most unusual and enduring public offices in Britain.