Agenda item

Resolved unanimously – That the gratitude of this Court be extended to:-

Stuart John Fraser, C.B.E.

for his tireless dedication and outstanding service to the Ward of Coleman Street, the City Corporation, and the City of London over the past twenty-six years.

Elected to the Court of Common Council in 1993, Stuart’s extraordinary period of service has been marked by significant contributions not just to the City Corporation and the Square Mile, but to the financial and professional services industry and the United Kingdom as a whole.

It would be quicker to name the committees on which Stuart has not served during his time on the Court, such has been the breadth and range of his commitment. However, it is, perhaps, his key chairmanships which have left the greatest legacy, and for which we owe Stuart our particular gratitude.

Stuart’s time as Chairman of Planning and Transportation saw a number of achievements which fundamentally changed the look and feel of the City, positioning it for continued success. Perhaps most notably, he oversaw the approval of 30 St Mary Axe, giving impetus to the race to build tall buildings in the east of the City and leaving him with the moniker of ‘the Gherkin Chairman’. Beyond this, he also oversaw a resolution to the challenges of the “wobbly” Millennium bridge and the opening of the redeveloped Paternoster Square.

Building on the experience of one senior chairmanship, Stuart subsequently took on the mantle of Chairman of Policy and Resources at a critical time, with the economic downturn that occurred at the end of 2008 putting the City of London’s financial services industry in a difficult position. Stuart responded to these events with remarkable calmness and humility, allowing him to connect with key stakeholders and ensure the City’s message was successfully conveyed. Having worked in the City for nearly fifty years, his in-depth understanding of the workings of the Square Mile and financial services in particular meant that the leadership he was able to display was vital at a hugely challenging time for the City.

Despite the challenging backdrop of the financial crisis, Stuart was also instrumental in helping to drive forward or support ground-breaking new initiatives in support of innovation and entrepreneurship in the City, such as Tech City, Angels in the City and Entrepreneur First. His work with the London Boroughs in support of those living on the City fringes was also notable, through initiatives such as the City Traineeship Programme and his Chairmanship of The City Together.

These contributions in particular were recognised when Stuart was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2012, in recognition of his significant services to the City of London.

Following this and, having already served as both Planning Chairman and Policy Chairman – both arduous commitments – Stuart would have been forgiven for taking a step back. However, his sense of dedication and duty to the Corporation is such that he took on the Chairmanship of the City of London Freemen’s School at a time of need in 2014, providing decisive leadership in overseeing the planning process for a new swimming pool following the unfortunate fire, as well as the appointment of a new Headmaster and the continued implementation of the School’s ‘Master Plan’, and subsequent opening of a new Boarding House and Music Department. His continuous championing of academic excellence, strategic vision, and his ability to effectively engage others, helped to promote a culture of improved learning standards and operational activities across the School, leading to it achieving some of its best results under his Chairmanship. 

It is with all these achievements, and many more in mind, that this Honourable Court unites in extending to Stuart its sincerest thanks and deepest appreciation for his hard work and many achievements over the past quarter century, as well as its very best wishes to both he and Laura for the future.