24 June

City elects Sheriffs of London for 2025 – 2026

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney and Deputy Keith Bottomley have been elected at Guildhall’s Common Hall today to serve as the next Sheriffs of the City of London.

They will take office on 26 September, holding the position for one year, and are succeeding Gregory Jones KC and David Chalk. 

The office of Sheriff of the City of London, a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor, is one of the oldest in existence  and dates back to the Middle Ages.

The Sheriffs’ modern-day duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in his or her civic duties and serving - both, at home and abroad - as ambassadors for the UK-based financial and professional services industry by promoting the UK as a place in which to do business.

Based at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), the office is an integral part of the City’s support for the rule of law. 

A graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, serving in Canada, Germany, and the UK in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO), Brazilian-born Robert Hughes-Penney joined City stockbrokers Laurence Keen in 1993.

He has spent over 30 years in the financial services sector, primarily, as an Investment Director at Rathbones, where he manages global multi-asset portfolios, and is the company’s representative and Chair of The CityUK Business Council. 

He served as a City of London Corporation Common Councillor for eight years before being elected as Alderman for the Ward of Cheap in 2018. Robert is a keen supporter of several charities, including Army Central Fund, Morden College, and Templeton Education & Charity Trust.

Keith Bottomley served as Deputy Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation for three years and has a strong background in business and the charity sector.

A chartered banker and former Director of Communications at NatWest Group, Keith has held responsibility for a broad range of areas, including chairing the City of London BIDs strategic partnership, and working in close partnership on City-focused issues and policies with London and national Government.  

He is deputy chair of governors at the City of London School and a former governor at three City of London Corporation-sponsored academies and the new City Junior School. Keith also chairs Partnership for Young London, which influences London, regional, and central government on youth policy. 

Sheriff Elect Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney said:

“During my year as the Aldermanic Sheriff, I will be guided by the principles that have shaped my career and public service, as set down by the mottos of the Haberdashers Company and Sandhurst: “Serve and Obey” and “Serve to Lead. My fellow Sheriff, Keith, and I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity, and are committed to carrying out our duties with diligence and respect for the traditions of the role.” 

Sheriff Elect Deputy Keith Bottomley said:

“My extensive business experience in the financial services, banking, and strategic communications sectors will stand me in good stead to work with Robert in supporting the mayoralty and His Majesty’s Judges in our combined efforts to promote the City in London, across the UK, and on the international stage. During my year in this key ambassadorial role, which I take on with humility and dedication, I also plan to promote opportunity for young people, the value of skills and education, and the importance of diversity.”

In addition to their duties and responsibilities to assist the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs play a key role in supporting His Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court by promoting the importance of the English rule of law to businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures. 

The Central Criminal Court, where the Sheriffs work and reside during their year, is recognised as the most famous criminal court in the world and is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.