Alderman Timothy Hailes withdraws Lord Mayor bid over criminal probe
City of London Corporation confirms candidate steps aside citing proceedings linked to a former employer.
Incident → evidence → outcomeAlderman Timothy Hailes has withdrawn his candidacy for the position of Lord Mayor of the City of London for the 2026/27 term. The decision, announced at an exceptional meeting of the City of London Corporation on September 27, follows his awareness of criminal proceedings involving an individual closely connected to a previous employer where Hailes served as a director and shareholder.
In a statement circulated to Corporation members, Alderman Hailes clarified that he is not personally under investigation and the proceedings do not involve him. He stated his withdrawal was to prevent any potential damage to the reputation of the Mayoralty or the City. Hailes expressed a hope to be considered for the role at a future date when circumstances allow.
New Candidate Supported
The Court of Aldermen has now shifted its support to Alderman Bronek Masojada for the 2026/27 Lord Mayor election. Masojada was previously slated as the candidate for the 2027/28 term. If named as one of the Livery's two preferred candidates on Tuesday, he will proceed as Lord Mayor Elect and be formally admitted in November.
The Lord Mayor role is an annual, unpaid, voluntary public service and acts as an international ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services sector. The election process involves the City's Livery Companies nominating two candidates, who are then voted on by the current Lord Mayor and the Court of Aldermen.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation confirmed the arrangements for the election will proceed as planned. The election is scheduled to take place at Common Hall on Tuesday, September 29, with the new Lord Mayor elect formally taking office on November 13, 2026. The identity of the previous employer referenced by Alderman Hailes was not disclosed.
Alderman Hailes shared on LinkedIn that he was "hugely disappointed" but believed his decision was the correct one for the Mayoralty and the City. He emphasised that the office is larger than any individual and highlighted the voluntary nature of the public service roles within the Corporation and the Livery movement.
Questions this report answers
01Why did Alderman Timothy Hailes withdraw his bid for Lord Mayor?
Alderman Hailes withdrew after becoming aware of criminal proceedings against someone closely connected to a previous employer. He stated he is not personally under investigation and is taking this step to protect the reputation of the Mayoralty and the City.
02Who is now being supported for the 2026/27 Lord Mayor election?
The Court of Aldermen is now supporting Alderman Bronek Masojada for the 2026/27 Lord Mayor election. Masojada was originally the candidate for the 2027/28 term but will now stand for the earlier position.
03What is the role of the Lord Mayor of the City of London?
The Lord Mayor of the City of London serves an annual term as an unpaid, voluntary public servant. They act as an international ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services sector and are the head of the City of London Corporation.
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