Today was the final full council meeting of the current term, and we bid farewell to several colleagues not contesting the forth coming election. To all I wish them well but I can't help but mention the retiring father of the house who was first elected in 1970. Anthony Eskenzi has served for 47 years and leaves us as the Senior Elected Member of the Corporation. He served as Chairman of the Police Authority and as Chief Commoner. A remarkable length of service, and a testament to how much people give to our great city. To all those not returning I hope you carry with you fond memories of your time on the Court of Common Council.
The Court of Common Council is the City of London's primary decision-making body, and meets nine times per year. Across the full year we as members work through committees, like many other local authorities, but we are unique as we are non-party politically controlled.
Our next meeting will be in April when we shall have a new Council ready for the next 4 years and I look forward to it.