Last Updated on 09/02/2026
Each year, the Liverymen of the City of London’s Livery Companies assemble in Guildhall for Common Hall, where they elect two Sheriffs. This annual election traditionally takes place on Midsummer Day and is one of the oldest civic practices in the City, dating back centuries.
In most years, one of the two Sheriffs is an Alderman, typically someone who intends to progress toward the office of Lord Mayor. Serving a year as Aldermanic Sheriff is a mandatory prerequisite for any Alderman seeking to become Lord Mayor. The second Sheriff is the Non‑Aldermanic Sheriff, historically referred to as the Livery or Lay Sheriff, since any eligible Liveryman may stand for this office. When the election is contested, Liverymen vote by a show of hands.
- The Sheriffs hold a role of significant civic importance. According to the City of London Corporation, the Sheriffs’ duties are founded on two key tenets:
to serve as an integral part of the City of London Corporation’s Civic Team supporting the Lord Mayor, particularly in their ambassadorial role for the UK’s financial and professional services sector; and - to support and uphold the rule of law as custodians of the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey).
In carrying out their duties, the Sheriffs help advance the City Corporation’s wider objectives, host stakeholder events at the Old Bailey, and support outreach programmes and charitable initiatives such as the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund, which assists prison leavers and their families. They also play a key part in maintaining strong links between the judiciary, the City Corporation and the wider civic and professional community.
This interconnected relationship between the Livery, the Mayoralty, and the City of London Corporation is long‑established and has evolved over many centuries. Maximising the collective expertise and talent within these three pillars remains important for supporting the ongoing success and good governance of the Square Mile.
Useful downloads:
