A year of Growth Unleashed
Over the past twelve months, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in every facet of life within the Square Mile. From celebrating time-honoured traditions to championing innovation and modernity, each day has been a true privilege. I am honoured that my mayoral theme, “Growth Unleashed,” has resonated so strongly and delivered tangible results. We have witnessed meaningful growth across a range of sectors, underpinned by some of my proudest initiatives — notably, the Mansion House Accord and the Pension Reforms.
November 2024
My tenure as the 696th Mayor of the City of London officially began on the 9th November. A momentous day partaking in such an historic event, as well as officially launching my mayoral theme of “Growth Unleashed”. Key highlights of the month included:
Hosting the Annual Financial and Professional Services Dinner with a speech from Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves - the first time a woman Chancellor of the Exchequer has delivered this address.
Opening the State Bank of India’s new premises
My first overseas trip to Bahrain meeting with Finance Ministers to discuss our continued partnership.
December 2024
December is always a busy month in the City - with the highlight being the Lord Mayor’s Banquet. Where I called to arms the City to be bolder, think smarter, and seize the UK’s national edge in innovation. December also saw:
Mansion House hosting His Highness The Amir of Qatar to celebrate the enduring ties between our nations.
I visited Northern Ireland - Londonderry and Belfast, to discuss the strong financial and professional ties our cities have.
The launch of my first network in the City - the ‘City Muslim Network’.
January 2025
We started the year with a full calendar of events beginning with the City Corporation’s London Government Dinner where Sir Sadiq Khan joined me - a brace of Mayors! Other highlights of the month included:
Meeting with the Minister for Investment to discuss the crucial role of Foreign Direct Investment.
I welcomed the Foreign Affairs Minister of Panama to Mansion House to discuss infrastructure projects in Panama.
Representing the City of London Corporation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Meeting with policymakers and global investors to promote British business.
I became Rector of City St George’s, University of London.
Visited Scotland, to co-sign an updated Partnership Agreement with the Scottish First Minister.
February 2025
An action packed month touring Australia, meeting Ambassadors - notably the Ambassador of Japan, who has gone viral for his integration into British life alongside his Paddington Bear! We discussed the City of London’s cooperation with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I then spoke at the 9th Tokyo-London Financial Seminar on fostering collaboration in fintech and AI between our two countries. Highlights of the month also included:
Speaking at the inaugural UK Financial Services - Supporting Growth and Competitiveness Conference
Visiting Australia - meeting with funds, business leaders, and government officials. With stops in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Discussions on the trip centred on insurance and pension services exports.
March 2025
March began with a brilliant visit to India where I met with key business leaders notably the chairman of TATA companies, and toured the NSE as the exchange marked 30 years of operating. Wales week followed - with some brilliant conversations taking place around the country as an emerging hub for FinTech. Notable moments of the month also include:
Hosting the Armed Forces Covenant Dinner - rallying industry and military leaders to bolster their support for Reserve Forces.
Attending the launch of ‘Veterans in the City’ - connecting veterans and reservists from workplaces of all sizes.
Speaking at the UK-ASEAN Business Council.
Meeting the Ambassador to Finland to discuss opportunities between our fintech sectors.
Visiting China and Hong Kong to discuss key collaborations between our nations.
April 2025
A very busy month starting with a trip to the US and Canada to promote the UK’s welcoming business environment. I was thrilled to be invited to join ‘Brand Scotland’ at the Tartan Day Parade in New York. As a proud Scot I was delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the cultural and economic links between Scotland and the United States. Highlights of April included:
Speaking at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Summit
Meeting with the Minister of Corporate Affairs of India to discuss the continued shared commitment to deepen our economic partnership.
Welcoming my fellow Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Eid-Al-Fitr Dinner raising money for our partner charities.
Giving a Gresham College lecture on moving away from a culture of safetyism to one of responsible risk-taking.
May 2025
One of the most poignant moments of the half-way point of my mayoralty was the marking of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day - an humbling tribute held at St Paul’s Cathedral. I then began my visit to Switzerland, to engage with the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce to discuss our £46 billion trading relationship. The culmination of many months of work saw the launch of the ‘Mansion House Accord’ - seventeen of the UK’s largest pension providers have committed to better investing for pensions. A huge milestone. May also saw:
Hosting the annual Business and Trade Dinner with speeches from the Business and Trade Secretary, and Baroness Martha Lane Fox
Announcing The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch raised a record £434,912 - directly support Armed Forces charities.
Opening the Chief Risk Officers Summit
Meeting with 32 Ukrainian mayors and officials as part of the Rebirth of Ukraine trade mission.
June 2025
I visited the GCC to continue discussions with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to explore furthering our investment relationships and diversifying our economies. A whistle-stop tour saw me return to London to open the Global Investment Management Summit followed by a speech at London Tech Week. A rather belated Easter Banquet at Mansion House was a superb opportunity to thank the international diplomatic community for all their work within financial services. June also saw:
Discussions continued on the Mansion House Accord with the Saudi Arabian Minister for Investment and the UK Government.
I visited Finland to kickstart events run by the British and Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland - discussions centred on strengthening our economic ties.
I also visited Sweden where I met with financial institutions and businesses to discuss cross-border capital flows and long-term collaboration.
July 2025
Another busy month! July began with hosting the State Banquet in Guildhall in honour of the French President Emmanuel Macron. The event highlighted the importance of strong UK-France ties and the ongoing commitment to deepening UK-EU cooperation. I signed the Employer Pension Pledge - marking a bold commitment to ensure the financial security of workers. I also the honour of hosting the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rt Hon Rachel Reeves and the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey at the City of London’s Financial and Professional Services Dinner in Guildhall. Other highlights of the month included:
Hosting the second meeting of the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Assembly.
Reopen London’s oldest public park, Finsbury Circus Gardens, following a major transformation project by the City of London Corporation.
Visiting South Yorkshire - a region at the vanguard of British innovation and industry.
September 2025
September saw a high-paced return to City matters following the summer break. We hosted the Innovation and Technology dinner at Mansion House where we welcomed the launch of the £11 million AI Assurance Innovation Fund. A wonderful trip to Asia saw me visit Tokyo where re-signed the City of London-Tokyo memorandum of Understanding. Then to Beijing where we strengthened the financial and economic ties between the UK and China. Then to Vietnam to explore opportunities for closer collaboration particularly for green and sustainable finance.
Further highlights included:
Signing the Regulatory MoU - a milestone for UK-Swiss financial relations
Joining CWEIC and City of London Corporation roundtable exploring how the Mansion House Accord can mobilise investment.
I hosted the first Lord Mayor’s Global Family Office Summit affirming the UK’s commitment to private capital.
The month ended with the traditional Sheep Drive across Southwark bridge.
October 2025
The last full month of my Mayoralty was jam-packed, and fittingly began with a trip to Edinburgh for Scotland’s 2025 Global Investment Summit. I chaired roundtable discussions focussing on life sciences and renewable energy. In the City we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month where I took part in a special market close ceremony at the London Stock Exchange in celebration. Mansion House welcomed the Chief Justice of Vietnam to discuss the development of an International Financial Centre.
I was delighted to congratulate the Bishop of London on her appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury
We hosted the Defence and Security Lecture at Mansion House
Discussion around the Mansion House Accord continued with the Liberal Democrats front bench at Parliament.
I hosted the City Regulator’ Dinner at Mansion House - focussing on the remarkable shift in regulators’ approach.
£700,000 was raised at the London Market Dinner which saw over 500 guests gather at Guildhall, a superb finale event for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.