New Lord Mayor of London says it’s not ‘just a ceremonial role’ – but what do they do?
Thousands of people have gathered in central London for the annual Lord Mayor’s show.
The show dates to the 13th century and is the first official engagement of a new lord mayor of London.
The oldest civic procession in the world, the 2024 procession brought together 7,000 people, 250 horses and more than 50 decorated floats.
But what does the Lord Mayor of London actually do?
What does the Lord Mayor of London do?
The Lord Mayor serves as the elected head of the City of London Corporation and their terms last one year.
Within the City of London, the only person considered to be of higher status than the Lord Mayor is the King himself.
During their year in office, they host heads of state, heads of governments and other foreign dignitaries.
They also work closely with the London Mayor Sadiq Khan, although their roles are separate.
Who is the new Lord Mayor of London Alistair King?
This year the new Lord Mayor is Alderman Alastair King. Riding in the golden state coach, and cheered on by thousands of onlookers, he is the 696th Lord Mayor of London.
He has been an Alderman of the City of London since 2016, which forms part of the City of London’s senior governance.
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He is also Chairman of environmental foundation Common Earth.
Ahead of the procession, Mr King said: ‘The Lord Mayor’s Show is the soul of London – as unique as it is historic – and it will be a privilege to be at the heart of this wonderful event, which connects the traditions of London’s past to the modern-day world.
‘As I wave to the crowds from the state coach and soak up the show’s carnival atmosphere, it will certainly feel like a celebration of the Square Mile’s dynamism and many communities.
‘I have taken “growth unleashed” as the theme of my mayoral year.
‘I will focus on promoting business, encouraging firms to adopt the new technologies that give us competitive advantage, and to working with the dynamic communities which make London such a vibrant city in which to do business.’