ELECTION OF THE LORD MAYOR 2026

This is one of the great ceremonies of the livery year when Guildhall will be full to capacity to see the next Lord Mayor formally elected. All liverymen are encouraged to attend Common Hall on Tuesday, 29^th day of September by 11.45 a.m. for the Election of the 698^th Lord Mayor, Alderman Timothy Russell Hailes MStJ JP FKC who served as Aldermanic Sheriff of the City of London for 2017/18, is Lord Mayor-elect of London for 2026/27 and will assume office, subject to election in November 2026.

ATTENDANCE

Liverymen who attend Common Hall need to have been a member of the Company prior to 31^st May 2025 and must be registered in the Electoral Services Register. Liverymen who are not on the register will not be eligible to vote and will be required to sit in the public gallery.

You will need a (free) ticket to gain easy access which the Clerk will send to you.
You will still be able to gain access without a ticket, but entry will be delayed as the registers are checked.

Please note: Freemen, spouses and other guests of Liverymen are not able to attend Common Hall.

TIMINGS

11.00 a.m.: Latest recommended time for Liverymen to arrive at Guildhall in order to get a seat

11.30 a.m.: All to be seated

11.35 a.m.: Procession of Masters, Prime Wardens into Guildhall

11.45 a.m.: Common Hall starts

1.00 p.m. for 1.30 p.m.  Optional Reception Drinks and Lunch at Painter Stainers’ Hall.

Cost is £85.00 pp inclusive of wines and VAT

LOCATIONS

Guildhall, Grasham Street, London, EC2V 7HH (provide map)

Painter Stainers’ Hall, Little Trinity Lane, London EC4V 2AD (provide map)

DRESS CODE

The Master will be processing with other Livery Masters and is required to wear her gown and badge. Apart from the Master, Liverymen are not required to wear their gowns; there is no laid down dress code: some will wear day dress (suits) and some may wear morning coasts, and some ladies wear hats.

LUNCHEON AT PAINTER STAINERS’ HALL

After the Election, the Worshipful Company of Painter – Stainers are holding a 3-course luncheon at Painters’ Hall, 9 Little Trinity Lane, London EC4V 2AD to which a number of Livery Companies are invited. Numbers are limited to 10 guests only. Liverymen from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (and their guests) may apply for places at £85.00 per person (inclusive of wine and VAT).

BOOKING DEADLINE: Wednesday 16^th September 2026 (after which no refunds will be granted)