The role of Alderman is a demanding one. The role is unpaid and, to be effective, an energetic commitment of several days a week is required over at least 10-15 years, this being the typical time taken to progress through the offices of Sheriff and Lord Mayor. Since Aldermen retire at 75, prospective candidates should not consider standing too late in their professional careers.

The City of London Corporation is the municipal governing body of the City of London. It is the world’s oldest continuously elected local government body. As the local authority for the Square Mile it has the same responsibilities as the London Boroughs – for example, planning, housing, licensing and social services. In addition it manages our produce markets, great areas of public open space and the best police force in the country. And it does all of this to the highest standards.

The Corporation’s structure includes the Lord Mayor, the Court of Aldermen, the Court of Common Council and the Freemen and Livery of the City.

The City of London is divided into 25 Wards, each of which is an electoral division. Each Ward returns (as they have done for the last millennia) one Alderman and a number of Councilmen. Cornhill is one of the City’s most important prime business areas, and its voters return three Councilmen and one Alderman.

Aldermen are appointed by the electors of their Ward. It is an ancient right (going back over 1,000 years) and all those entitled to vote for Aldermen in the City of London are encouraged to do so – to ensure that representation is provided with the authority of the electorate.

The overall responsibilities of an Alderman are:

• To serve as a Member of the Courts of Aldermen and Common Council, serving on Corporation Committees and related bodies, including charities such as schools, and to support the Mayoralty and Sheriffs to best effect;

• To use the experience gained to prepare for higher office – as one of the two Sheriffs of the City of London and, later, as Lord Mayor; and

• To represent the businesses and the electors of their Ward.