Urgent Livery Update: Common Hall (Election of Lord Mayor)

The following statement has been released by the Nominations Committee of the Court of Aldermen following an extraordinary meeting.

At an exceptional meeting of the Court of Alderman Nominations Committee this evening, Alderman Tim Hailes gave notice of his withdrawal from consideration for election as Lord Mayor of the City of London for 2026/27.

This will undoubtedly have been a difficult decision to reach for Tim, as he sets out below in a summary of his statement to the Court. Tim has played a significant role in shaping the agenda of the Modern Mayoralty, together with Dame Sue Langley and Alderman Bronek Masojada.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Common Hall for the Election of Lord Mayor, having previously indicated their support for Alderman Bronek Masojada to proceed to the Mayoralty, the Aldermen have agreed that he is their preferred candidate to succeed the Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, into office.

Subject to his nomination as one of the Livery’s two preferred candidates on Tuesday, it is, therefore, their intention to return him as Lord Mayor Elect for 2026/27.

Statement by Alderman Hailes:

“After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the process for the Mayoralty in 2026/27.

I became aware late last week that someone closely connected to a previous employer where I was a director and shareholder is subject to criminal proceedings. This in no way involves me and I am not personally under investigation.

But to ensure that there is no possibility of any damage to the Mayoralty or the City’s reputation I have decided to step aside at this election.

This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is the right course of action in the circumstances.

I also hope to be considered for the Mayoralty at a later date, when circumstances permit it.

I am grateful to my fellow Aldermen for their understanding and support and I wish Alderman Masojada every success as Lord Mayor, subject to his election.”