The Court of Aldermen convened on Tuesday 3 February 2026, with The Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, DBE, taking the chair. The meeting's agenda included the confirmation of previous minutes, resolutions on retirements and congratulatory matters, applications for the Freedom of the City, and reports from the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen.

Applications for the Freedom of the City

The Court was scheduled to consider applications for the Freedom of the City. The Chamberlain presented the names of 201 individuals who were to be admitted to this honour. These applications spanned a wide range of occupations and backgrounds, with individuals applying to be admitted to various Livery Companies, including Fruiterers, Feltmakers, Spectacle Makers, Farmers, Glass Sellers, Carmen, Chartered Secretaries & Administrators, Engineers, Air Pilots, and many others.

Report from the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen

The General Purposes Committee of Aldermen presented several key reports for consideration.

Governance of the Court of Aldermen – Amended Standing Orders

The committee recommended amendments to the Standing Orders for the Court of Aldermen. These proposed changes also included additional guidance for the periods immediately before and after a mayoral election. Furthermore, the committee put forward proposed Terms of Reference for the General Purposes Committee itself.

Trusteeship of the Samuel Wilson Loan Charity

The Court was to consider recommendations regarding the trusteeship of the Samuel Wilson Loan Charity. This historic charity, which provides business loans to disadvantaged young people aged 18-39, is currently overseen by the Chamberlain and five Aldermen. The report indicated a recommendation to transfer trusteeship to the City of London Corporation, acting through the Court of Aldermen. This transfer would involve the formation of a new sub-committee under the Court of Aldermen, mirroring the structure of the Emanuel Hospital charity. The aim is to enhance regulatory compliance and improve efficiency. This transfer was contingent on a concurrent decision by the Policy and Resources Committee regarding resource allocation.

Emanuel Hospital Charity

The Court of Aldermen was scheduled to review the financial position of the Emanuel Hospital Charity. This included an examination of the charity's finances for the most recent year-end (2024/25) and the period to date (five months to 31 August 2025), along with a forecast for the remainder of the 2025/26 financial year and a cash flow forecast up to 2026/27.

Other Business

The agenda also included the issuance of precepts for the Common Hall for the election of Sheriffs and other officers, and for the election of a Lord Mayor. An order for keeping the Hustings clear was also to be passed. Additionally, the appointment of the Easter Preacher was scheduled.

The Court also received a letter of surrender of office from Alderman Sir Peter Estlin, who offered to surrender his office as Alderman of the Ward of Coleman Street.

In a separate matter, the Court of Hustings was to note the appointment by The Lady Mayor of Gary Langley as Deputy Gauger for her Mayoralty.

The meeting concluded with The Lady Mayor extending festive wishes to all members and observers.