Voting for a World Class City

The City of London (Ward Elections) Bill received Royal Assent on 7 November 2002. The Act cleared the way for new voting arrangements to be introduced for electing Members to the Corporation of London’s Common Council.

The new electoral system will be far more representative of the business community in the City. The unique nature of the City of London means that businesses are entitled to vote in local elections. However, under the old system, which had been unchanged since the 1850s, limited companies were excluded. This meant that, for example, the City’s investment banks had been excluded from voting, illustrating the old system’s failure to represent the modern day make-up of the City.

To view the City of London (Ward Elections) Act 2002, please click here

The New System

Under the new system, any incorporated or unincorporated body can appoint one or more representatives to vote on its behalf as long as it physically occupies premises within the City.

The number of voters per organisation depends on the size of the workforce at the premises concerned.

The first elections under the new system will take place in March 2004.

For further information, please visit the ‘Voting’ section of the Corporation of London’s web site: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/voting