After Alderman Tim Hailes withdrew as the preferred candidate for election as the 2026-27 Lord Mayor, Liverymen and Masters elected Alderman Bronek Maso­jada.

Alderman Maso­jada had widely been expected to take office in November 2027, so preparations for his mayoralty will now have to be swift. South African by birth, he served as Chief Executive of Hiscox Insurance from 2000 to 2021.

The election is held at Guildhall each Michaelmas Day, and the 114 Livery Companies are represented by their Masters, Prime Wardens or Upper Bailiff in their gowns and wearing their badges of office. The Masters form a procession from the Guildhall Crypt, and process across Guildhall Yard to the Guild Church of St. Lawrence Jewry for a Service of Thanksgiving. The Mercers go first; the Merchant Taylors and the Worshipful Company of Skinners take turns as sixth and seventh in alternate years; and the Paviors occupy the fifty-sixth place.

After the Service, the Masters line up again and process into the Guildhall. Alderman Bronek Masojada gave a very touching acceptance speech, and thanked his wife for agreeing to support him at less than 48 hours’ notice.