Big Shoes: City of London Corporation deputy chair frontrunner to succeed Catherine McGuinness
City of London Corporation chair Chris Hayward is looking like the frontrunner to succeed City veteran Catherine McGuinness when she steps down next year, according to reports.
McGuinness’ departure in leaves one of the most powerful jobs in the Square Mile officially up for grabs, after a five year term.
While Hayward is expected to step into rather large shoes, Sky News’ Mark Kleinman first reported, his appointment would follow an election next May.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said: “The Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee serves a five-year term.
“As is the usual process the next Policy Chair will be elected in May 2022 after Catherine McGuinness has served her full term.”
The coveted position of chair speaks up for the City’s array of firms and industries, and advocates for the Square Mile internationally.
The committee also champions the Square Mile’s history, saving the UK’s oldest synagogue “for now” by rejecting a 48-storey tower block that would have put the historic site at risk of closure.
The planning and transport committee for the Square Mile’s local authority rejected the application by 14 votes to 7 in the wake of public pressure to save the synagogue.