The City of London is witnessing a significant moment of tradition and change as Dame Susan Langley DBE is set to take up the 697th Mayoralty, succeeding Alderman Alastair King. While the role is officially the Lord Mayor of London, Dame Susan is making history as the first person to adopt the title ‘Lady Mayor’—a pioneering step that reflects a commitment to modernising this ancient office.
Stepping into the Chain of Office
Dame Susan Langley, Alderwoman for the Ward of Aldgate, was elected at Common Hall in September 2025. Her formal inauguration takes place on November 7th at the Silent Ceremony, marking the transition from the current Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King.
Alderman King’s term has been characterised by his dedication to investment and promoting the City’s financial services on the global stage. Dame Susan will look to build on this work, using her extensive background in the insurance and financial services industry to propel the City forward.
A ‘Modern Mayoralty’ for a Global City
Dame Susan’s manifesto for her year in office is centred on the theme of a ‘Modern Mayoralty’. This is not just a change in title; it’s a strategic approach designed to ensure the office remains relevant, resilient, and aligned with government and industry to maximise its global effectiveness.
Her priorities for the year are clearly focused:
- Global Leadership: Solidifying London’s position as the world’s premier financial and professional services hub.
- Reputation: Enhancing the standing of the Square Mile and the UK on the world stage.
- Business Growth: Championing the conditions necessary for companies to thrive in the City.
- Social Impact: Ensuring the City makes a positive contribution to wider society and attracts diverse talent.
We are still the world’s leading financial centre but we must continue to innovate and look forward not back, to drive long term prosperity for the U.K. economy,” Lady Mayor Elect Langley has stated.
A Trailblazer from Business to Civic Service
Dame Susan brings a wealth of experience to the role, particularly within the **insurance sector**. She serves as the Non-Executive Chair of Gallagher UK and has held senior roles at Lloyd’s of London, the Home Office, and the Department for International Trade. This background gives her a unique perspective as she steps into the role of a global ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services industry.
She is only the third woman in the City of London Corporation’s 800-year history to hold the office, succeeding Dame Mary Donaldson and Dame Fiona Woolf, both of whom used the traditional title of ‘Lord Mayor.’ Her decision to adopt ‘Lady Mayor’ establishes a new precedent, aligning the City’s civic title with other distinguished female office holders, such as the Lady Chief Justice.
The Lady Mayor’s Show 2025
The transfer of office will be celebrated with the spectacular Lady Mayor’s Show on the day after the Silent Ceremony. In another historic first, the traditional Lord Mayor’s Show will be renamed to acknowledge the new Lady Mayor.
The iconic three-mile procession—the oldest civic pageant in the world—will be a symbolic display of change, with 697 women from various City sectors (reflecting her position as the 697th Lord Mayor) set to join the parade. It’s a moment that will showcase the City’s long-standing traditions while highlighting its commitment to diversity and the future.
The handover from Alderman King to Lady Mayor-Elect Langley is more than just a ceremonial change—it’s the start of a new chapter. With the introduction of the ‘Lady Mayor’ title and the ‘Modern Mayoralty’ agenda, Dame Susan Langley is positioned to not only represent but also reshape the City of London for the challenges and opportunities of the future.