Agenda item

Pursuant to the decision of the Court of 18 October 2019, the Lord Mayor invited Deputy Tom Hoffman M.B.E. to take up the office of Chief Commoner for the ensuing year.

The new Chief Commoner outlined his priorities for the forthcoming year, including assistance and support in respect of Members’ mental health and wellbeing, a focus on Members’ facilities, and outreach activities with the City’s family of schools.

Resolved unanimously – That this Honourable Court wishes to extend to

John George Stewart Scott JP

Its sincere gratitude for the manner in which he has undertaken the role of Chief Commoner over the past year.

As Chief Commoner, John’s year has been particularly distinguished by the efforts he has taken to engage with departments and stakeholders beyond the Guildhall Complex, both within and external to the City Corporation. His visits to the Cemetery and Crematorium, London Gateway, and the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre in particular formed part of a key initiative to ensure staff across the organisation were given the opportunity to meet with senior Members and feel connected.

John also celebrated the crucial work of our volunteers, hosting a reception in the Great Hall to thank 450 or so individuals for their invaluable efforts. This extremely popular and successful initiative will become an annual City event and is an example of the lasting legacy John’s year will have.

The work of the Chief Commoner is never ending, yet despite all the varied calls on his time, John has extremely ably and effectively represented Members’ interests during the year. He took a particular interest in the works required to the Guildhall Complex, engaging with officers on a regular basis with a view to remedying defects across the site, as well as giving much time to the improvement project to the cloakrooms and Members’ changing areas. We thank him for this consideration and sound judgement in these areas.

His work tirelessly promoting the role of the City of London Corporation and that of the Chief Commoner must also be recognised and appreciated. From hosting a breakfast prior to the UK-Netherlands Innovation Showcase on the occasion of the State Visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands; to a reception following the installation of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE; or a lunchtime reception to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers; John has been an unfailingly energetic and charismatic host at so many high-profile events which will be remembered fondly by all who attended.

In taking leave of the Chief Commoner and in thanking him formally and sincerely, his colleagues wish to express their appreciation not only to him, but also to Claire, who ably supported John over this past year. We thank them both for their hospitality, good humour and courtesy, and wish them both continued good health and happiness for many decades in the future. 

John Scott was heard in reply, thanking colleagues for their support throughout the year and wishing his successor well in the year ahead.