Yesterday, the City of London went to the polls to elect 100 Common Councillors across 25 wards. Several key figures in the City Corporation’s leadership have successfully retained their seats, including Chris Hayward, Shravan Joshi, and Keith Bottomley.
The overall results reflect ongoing electoral shifts within the City Corporation, continuing the trend of a decreasing number of independent members. Historically, the Square Mile has been dominated by independent candidates, with 100% of elected members standing as independents in 2013. This figure declined to 85% in 2017, 77% in 2022, and now stands at 75% in 2025.
Labour has increased its presence within the City Corporation, securing 7 seats, all within the residential wards of Cripplegate and Aldersgate.
Meanwhile, Temple and Farringdon Together has maintained its stronghold, successfully retaining all 10 seats in Farringdon Without, as it has done since 2017.
Perhaps the most significant development in this election has been the rapid rise of 'Iceni' in Castle Baynard. They won all eight of the seats available in the ward. Although they are not a political party, they have stood collectively together as independents and expressed a strong commitment to continuing the work of Alderwoman Martha Grekos, stating their focus is on improving conditions and the environment for residents and workers alike.
A number of wards were uncontested—meaning the number of candidates equaled the available seats—including Bridge, Coleman Street and Tower.
As the newly elected Common Council takes shape, the coming term will also be marked by a new Chairman of Planning and Transportation Committee after Shravan Joshi's current tenure comes to an end.
City of London Corporation Composition
Interesting outcomes
Aldersgate:
Out of the six seats available, three have been won by the Labour party. In their campaign literature, all Labour candidates referenced development including, 'opposing inappropriate buildings which encroach on residential areas' and 'I will continue to oppose the building of tall offices near the Barbican.'
Castle Baynard:
The 'Iceni', a collective of independent candidates, won all eight seats in the ward, marking a significant electoral shift. The group, which did not exist three years ago, successfully unseated all candidates from the Castle Baynard Independents, including several incumbents. Among them was Graham Packham, Vice-Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee.
In their campaign literature the 'Iceni' have stated that 'We have come together under the name of the Iceni who were a significant power in Celtic Britain. Probably best known for their resistance to Roman rule and led by Queen Boudica, they were an industrious and loyal people. We intend likewise to work hard and fight for improvements to our community and to our City.'
Cripplegate:
Four of the seven seats available have been won by the Labour Party, increasing their presence in the ward by one. Combined with Aldersgate ward, they represent the Barbican and Golden Lane Estates, and so are the largest residential wards in the City. In this area the Labour Party has sought to capitalise on strong sentiment across some of the residents regarding perceived inappropriate development along with the wider City Corporation policies.
Farringdon Without:
The Temple and Farringdon Together party has won all 10 seats available in this ward. The group is long-established and has represented the ward since 2017. Their priorities for the ward include supporting a thriving legal sector, working with BIDs for cleaner and safer streets and 'actively engaged in policy making regarding future uses for the Smithfield site.'
by Luke Tatton, Account Director, Concilio