Lord Mayor

Role & Position of the Lord Mayor

The Lord Mayor is the ceremonial head of the City, the ‘first citizen’ of Westminster, and the Chairman of the Council during their year of office. They are formally referred to as "The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Westminster".

In their role as ceremonial head they and their Deputy attend, and represent the Council, at more than 1000 formal engagements during the year. These will include royal, diplomatic, church, military, community, educational and cultural events – principally within Westminster; but sometimes elsewhere in the capital, in the UK and abroad.

As First Citizen they greet members of the Royal Family on engagements undertaken by the Royals within the City. They customarily accompany them on their visits to organisations and places in Westminster and bid them farewell on their departure.

As Chairman of the Council they must set themselves aside from party politics and control debate in the Chamber in a fair and even-handed way. The Lord Mayor has no executive role in determining policy, or in the management of the Council, and Lords Mayor are generally expected to avoid direct involvement in constituency matters during their year in office.

This does not, of course, mean the role of Lord Mayor is without influence, and the constitutional position they hold is one that can wield considerable power behind the scenes. They hold lunches, dinners and receptions to thank organisations and individuals, on behalf of the Council, for their involvement in the work of the City, and these events are often used to promote the work of the Council.

The Mayoralty is supported by the Lord Mayor’s Office, headed by the Lord Mayor’s Private Secretary and comprising an administrative secretariat who coordinate the diary engagements and major civic events for the Lord Mayor; and a support staff (comprising Macebearers and Chauffeurs) who accompany the Lord Mayor and their Deputy to and from all engagements.

The Lord Mayor has their Parlour and Reception Rooms on the 18th floor of the Westminster City Hall. The Lord Mayor’s Office is alongside, and the Private Secretary - Kevin Taylor - and his colleagues can be contacted on 020 7641 2240.