London's Secret Mayor who runs The Secret City

TL;DR

The City of London has a unique and complicated government with elections involving medieval guilds, modern corporations, mandatory titles, and company votes.

Transcript

The City of London is a unique place -- it's the city in a city (in a country in a country) that runs its government with perhaps the most complicated elections in the world involving medieval guilds, modern corporations, mandatory titles and fancy hats, all of which are connected in this horrifying org chart. Why so complicated? Though the new Sky... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 The City of London's government is the oldest continuous government on the Island of Great Britain.
• 🇻🇦 Companies have a significant influence on elections in the City of London due to the large number of commuters and the city's business-friendly environment.
• 🧘 Qualifying for the position of Lord Mayor requires individuals to go through several stages, including becoming an Aldermen and a Sheriff.
• 🔌 The Mayor is not elected by residents but rather by the Court of Aldermen, including the members of the Livery Companies.
• 👨‍💼 Being the Lord Mayor of London comes with no salary and requires extensive international promotion of city business.
• ☢️ The City of London has numerous medieval guilds, now known as Livery Companies, some of which are still active today.
• 💨 Joining a Livery Company can be a way to gain Freeman Status and have a chance at becoming an Aldermen.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the City of London government differ from other governmental systems?

The City of London's government is incredibly old and gets its power from "time immemorial," making it unique compared to systems that derive power from the people or the Crown.

Q: Why do companies have voting power in City of London elections?

Companies have voting power because many people commute to the City of London, relying on its business-friendly environment, and the government wants to represent their interests.

Q: What is the qualification process to become the Lord Mayor of London?

The path to becoming the Lord Mayor is complicated and requires individuals to work their way up through various positions, including Aldermen and Sheriffs, before running for Mayor.

Q: Do residents of the City of London have a say in the Mayor's election?

The residents do not directly vote for the Mayor. Instead, the Court of Aldermen, including the members of the Livery Companies, elects the Mayor.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The City of London is the oldest continuous government on the island of Great Britain, predating many significant historical events.

• In City of London elections, companies have a significant number of votes compared to residents.

• The government of the City of London is headed by the Lord Mayor, who has to go through a complex qualification process.