Agenda item

Resolution on retirement:

Resolved unanimously – That, on the occasion of his retirement from the City of London Corporation, this Court takes the greatest possible pleasure in conveying to Dr Peter Kane its sincere appreciation of his valued service to the Corporation and to this Court during the past seven years. As the City of London’s 80th Chamberlain, Peter has served in a successive line dating back to 1237 and he has fulfilled all the requirements of this ancient office with conviction and commitment.

Peter has been an exemplary Chamberlain, successfully delivering a sustainable medium-term financial plan and enabling the financing of the City’s three ambitious projects for a vibrant and thriving city despite the significant financial challenges facing the City Corporation as a result of reductions in Government funding, economic uncertainty; and pressures arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Beyond the City Corporation, Peter has demonstrated his very real commitment to public sector finance by serving as a Trustee and a member of CIPFA’s Council and as a non-executive at the Institute of Fiscal Studies.

The ancient office of The Chamberlain of London continues to retain important ceremonial responsibilities and Peter has demonstrated, with great panache, how his expertise has extended beyond City financial matters. The award of Honorary Freedoms to Tim Berners-Lee in 2014 and Professor Stephen Hawking in 2017 – at ceremonies which members of this Court had the great privilege to attend – highlighted Peter’s understanding of and confidence about delivering the ceremonial aspects of the role.  The award of the Freedom of the City of London (by Special Nomination) to Captain Tom Moore on 12th May 2020 was the City’s first virtual Freedom ceremony: a unique occasion for a unique individual.

Members have valued and benefited from Peter’s professionalism, determination and advice on a variety of issues. His knowledge of the City Corporation and of this Court, and that of all matters financial, has ensured that the City Corporation’s finances have been successfully managed through unsettled times and the City Corporation is now better prepared to face the challenges that are likely to arise in the coming years.

The Members of this Court welcome this opportunity to pay tribute to Peter for his contribution to the work of this Court and for the capable way in which he has carried out the role of The Chamberlain of London over the past seven years. They warmly express the hope that he will enjoy many happy memories of his time spent with the City of London Corporation and they wish him every success in the future.