During his year in office, the Lord Mayor plays a key role in
promoting UK-based financial and related business services in
the UK and
internationally.
The Lord Mayor attends a wide range of engagements when he is at
home. As head of the City of London he is involved with local
government and London-wide issues, ranging from the City of
London's work in the
regeneration of neighbouring boroughs to
transport
and
environmental issues which affect the City.
On behalf of the Sovereign and the Government, he acts as host
when the City of London provides hospitality for visiting heads of
state and foreign dignitaries. In addition, the Lord Mayor provides
a platform for Government Ministers to make keynote speeches. The
Prime Minister attends the Lord Mayor's annual Banquet at
Guildhall, whilst the Bankers' Dinner each June is the occasion
for the Chancellor of the Exchequer's annual keynote speech, known
as the Mansion House Speech. The Easter Banquet, also held at
Mansion House, is the major annual opportunity for all London's
diplomats to listen to the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.
Other Cabinet members and international business figures also value
these opportunities.
The Lord Mayor also presides over meetings of the
Court of Common Council and Court of Aldermen, and attends
Livery events and charitable projects. He receives visiting
overseas ministers and senior businessmen and keeps in close
contact with
City institutions and firms as well as travelling to other UK
financial centres to keep in touch with regional economic activity.
In his year of office he will make some 600
speeches on a wide variety of subjects from City financial
matters to charity and patronage.