Agenda item

To pass a Vote of Thanks to the late Lord Mayor.

Resolved unanimously – That this Court wishes to convey to –

Alderman David Hugh Wootton

its congratulations and warmest thanks for the distinguished service he has given as Lord Mayor of this City during what has been a busy, challenging and exciting year marked by Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee celebrations and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

As London has demonstrated its position as a great global city, whose culture and economy is defined by openness to the world, David Wootton has strived, both at home and abroad, to promote the City and the UK as a key business centre.   Much as no major city stands still, during the course of his Mayoralty, David Wootton has travelled extensively, with great commitment and professionalism, to over 25 countries including Russia, Turkey, the Gulf region and more recently Vietnam, India and Argentina.  In a year of continued economic uncertainty in the UK and overseas, his efforts to stimulate jobs and growth and to promote London as a global hub for financial, legal and educational services, together with dispute resolution and arbitration, are particularly notable.

Philanthropy and corporate social responsibility are at the heart of the City of London Corporation’s vision for the City, and David has, like his predecessors, devoted a significant amount of energy and passion to supporting charitable endeavours that will have an enduring impact.  In this Olympic year, “Fit for the Future” - the Lord Mayor’s appeal theme - has focussed on five charities, the primary being Barts and The London Charity on behalf of the Trauma Unit at The Royal London Hospital.  As a reflection of David’s own interests, the Rowing Foundation, London Youth Rowing, Fields in Trust and Futures for Kids have also benefited, creating a healthier future for all, both in and beyond the City. 

Proud to be a Bradford man and blessed to be a Yorkshire man, the Lord Mayor was set to achieve a lot during his year in Office and he has, without a doubt, proven his ability to be “faster, higher, stronger.”  With the unending support and commitment of the Lady Mayoress, Liz and his four children – Alexandra, James, Sophie and Christopher – this year has been memorable for so many reasons.

In closing, in taking their leave of David Hugh Wootton as the 684th Lord Mayor of this City, his colleagues earnestly hope that he, Liz and the rest of the family will, for many years to come, reflect on the year with great satisfaction and retain many cherished memories.