The City Where workers get a vote for the council

The City of London operates under an exceptional governance model that has resisted the reforms seen in other English cities, largely due to its historical Liberties and Customs established by the Magna Carta. The local governing body, known as the Court of Common Council, comprises 100 common councillors and 25 aldermen, all elected to represent the interests of the City’s residents and workers. Each ward has a distinct identity, with names like Cripplegate and Vintry, and elections occur every four years. Interestingly, non-residential voters—those who work in the Square Mile—can still participate in elections, a privilege abolished in other council areas in 1969. The article outlines how corporations can appoint voters based on their workforce size, leading to over 13,700 corporate voters alongside approximately 6,500 resident voters.

This blend of ancient customs and modern electoral practices illustrates the City's unique democratic system. Moreover, the article sheds light on the significance of livery companies, which play a vital role in electing key officials like the Lord Mayor. Through its intricate governance structure, the City of London exemplifies a rich historical legacy intertwined with contemporary civic participation.