Agenda item

Resolved Unanimously:- That, this Court wishes to convey to Alderman William Anthony Bowater Russell its warmest thanks and appreciation for the exemplary manner in which he has carried out the role of Lord Mayor of this City during the past two years – the first Lord Mayor to serve a second term since 1861 - and its pleasure in having this opportunity to acknowledge that William performed, at all times, the duties of the Office with commitment, leadership, flexibility and innovation.

Throughout William’s unusual term of Office, he rigorously championed his Mayoral Theme, Global UK – The New Future, emphasising the importance of growing global trade, strengthening innovation, and promoting a rich cultural and creative economy. Despite the challenges arising from COVID-19, the theme remained at the centre of his two years in Office and provided a positive focus for the City’s recovery from the impact of the pandemic. As part of this theme, he convened the Culture and Commerce taskforce, putting our world-leading cultural sector at the heart of London’s recovery, and he has been an ardent advocate for UK business and trade. The hugely successful Green Horizons Summit, which was hosted by the Lord Mayor, showcased Green Finance and his commitment to sustainability.

Now routinely referred to as the ‘Virtual Lord Mayor’, due to his quick adaption to undertaking virtual visits and meetings as international travel became untenable, William retained his enthusiasm and good humour throughout the many hours spent sat in front of a screen. His congratulatory remarks, with Hilary, to Captain Tom Moore on 12 May 2020, the first ever Freedom of the City of London ceremony to be conducted ‘virtually’, reflected the Lord Mayor’s theme around innovation and his own ability to adapt quickly, demonstrate leadership and fulfil the diverse responsibilities of Office at the most challenging of times.

The Lord Mayor’s extensive travel – virtually and physically – has seen him undertake visits to more than 25 countries during his time in office, including Chile, Singapore and the ASEAN countries, New Zealand, the USA, the Middle East and Wales. William has also worked ceaselessly closer to home, placing the recovery of the City at the heart of his Mayoral Theme, as the City strives to respond to the challenges of recent times. He led a dedicated “Re-opening campaign” to encourage people back to the Square Mile, visiting many businesses, from banks and barbers to pubs and sandwich shops: a campaign which was complemented by a series of COVID-19 recovery breakfasts which drew together those leading their own recovery plans across both the City and the UK. In addition to his business-focussed commitments, William remained committed to and engaged in work associated with the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, with its four charity partners, Place2Be, OnSide Youth Zones, Samaritans, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and its key themes of inclusivity, health, skill, and fairness.  As we reflect on the past two years and the challenges ahead, the work undertaken by these charities is never more important.

During this very unusual and memorable two years, the Lord Mayor has received unrelenting support in all endeavours from the Lady Mayoress, Hilary, whose efforts helped to ensure that William’s extended Mayoralty was a success. As the Mayoral term draws to a close, members of the Court of Aldermen unite in thanking William for all that he has done as Lord Mayor of the City of London and send to him, Hilary, and their children: Edward, Nicholas, Alistair and Helena - their very best wishes for their future good health and happiness.