It was a cordially-contested election with a result of 70% in my favour. My acceptance remarks this evening went:
Alderman, Ladies & Gentlemen,
It is humbling to be re-elected as an Alderman for the world’s oldest continuous democratic workers’ and residents’ cooperative. At his inauguration Thomas Jefferson promised – “commerce and honest friendship with all” – which inspired my mother Company’s, the World Traders’, motto. Behind all the pomp and circumstance, an immigrant such as I can attest that our City honours “Dictum Meum Pactum” within an open and tolerant community of people.
- May I thank you, the voters, for expressing your confidence and giving me a mandate to represent you for the next six years in the finest ward of the City of London.
- May I thank my opponent, Josephine Mary Hayes, for running an honest campaign that promoted democracy and espoused the values we all cherish in our wonderful City.
- May I thank three excellent Councillors, Deputy Chris Hayward, Antony Manchester, and Shahnan Bakth, for their support, as well as my election agent, Trevor Brignall for his wise counsel and control.
- May I thank the Police for their vigilance and oversight.
- May I thank Adrian, the Ward Clerk, and George, our Beadle, for conducting the proceedings so well.
- May I thank you, Alderman Alison Gowman, for presiding so skilfully over tonight’s Wardmote, and Alderman Simon Pryke for presiding so well over yesterday’s Wardmote. May I thank the Electoral Services team for exemplary performance and impartiality.
- May I thank my second Company, the Furniture Makers, for the use of our hall, and Jonny Westbrooke and the team for their organisation and support.
May I thank so many throughout the City for your encouragement that has brought me this far. I look forward to serving with honour, so we can continue to Connect & Prosper.
Thank you.