Election of Sheriffs

26th June 2023

Guildhall

Growing up in the US, I learned from an early age that voting is an inalienable right protected under our constitution and one that you should avail yourself of once you turn 18. So important is this right that a penalty of losing your right to vote, if you are a convicted felon, was seen as a crime deterrent.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of voting in an election of ancient origins: The Election of Sheriffs in the City of London. The "Livery assembled in Common Hall" elect two Sheriffs each Midsummer Day at Guildhall in the City of London. One Sheriff is an Aldermanic Sheriff, who hopes to move forward and eventually become Lord Mayor and one is normally a Non Aldermanic Sheriff. The Non Aldermanic Sheriff was a position that our esteemed, Past Master Fiona Adler held in 2014-2015. The office of the Sheriff is the oldest civic office in the City (older even than the office of the Lord Mayor itself). The position is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon laws of the 7th century.

Yesterday both candidates were Aldermanic and elected without contest or debate. Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley and Alderman Bronek Masojada will assume their duties in September.