152. Election of Sheriffs, 24 June 2019

One of the great ceremonial occasions of the Mayoral year is the election of Sheriffs and other Officers for the year ensuing. Held in the Great Hall at the Guildhall the whole Livery and members of the Corporation are present to witness this special event. As Master Water Conservator and Liveryman, I was proud to represent to Company and exercise my ancient right.

Assembling in the Crypt below the Guildhall I joined other Livery Master to don our robes and badges. With over 100 Masters present together with several Clerks and Beadles it was a noisy place and the temperature soared. But we were soon expertly placed in order of precedence by staff and duly processed into the Great Hall, highest numbers first.

The Hall was packed to overflowing with an additional room set aside for the vast audience. As Masters we took or place near the Hustings and had a very good view. A series of dignitaries then processed in followed ultimately by the Lord Mayor. The Common Cryer called us all to attention and the Common Serjeant explained the proceedings.

There were two Sheriffs to elect; one Aldermanic, one non-Aldermanic. The latter had two candidates so it was a contested election. Each candidate was given four minutes to present their case (in addition to vigorous campaigning that had been going on for weeks beforehand) and the voting commenced. This was done by raising a coloured card. Once the votes had been counted it was confirmed that Alderman Michael Mainelli (pictured in robes) was elected Aldermanic Sheriff and Councillor Christopher Hayward as Non-Aldermanic Sheriff. Both stepped forward to confirm acceptance of their roles which they take up in early November.

Other officers were also appointed but none were contested. A short report on civic activity for the previous year was given by the assistant Town Clerk. And then it was time to retrace our steps out of the Great Hall and back to the Crypt to un-robe.

It was a great occasion full of tradition and pageantry. It was good to be there albeit a little warm. The role of Sheriff is an essential one and the two successful candidates will make a good job of it when they take on the mantel from the existing Sheriffs. We wish them every success.