New Sheriffs Elected for City of London 2024-2025
Alderman Gregory Jones KC and David Chalk have been elected as the new Sheriffs of the City of London at a ceremony held today at Guildhall’s Common Hall. They will officially assume their roles on Friday, September 27, serving a one-year term and succeeding Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley and Alderman Bronek Masojada.
Reflecting on his new role, Sheriff Elect Alderman Gregory Jones KC said, “I am delighted to have been elected as Sheriff and I look forward to supporting the Lord Mayor in his goals, in collaboration with my fellow Sheriff, David Chalk. The English legal system is the bedrock of the City of London’s success as the world’s leading financial centre and, during my shrieval year, I will promote the rule of law, with the Old Bailey serving as the ideal platform on which to champion the symbiotic relationship between the law and the City.”
Sheriff Elect David Chalk expressed his gratitude, saying, “To have been elected to the high office of Sheriff of London is a great honour, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has made this possible. As well as working to increase people’s understanding of how the Old Bailey and its judges work, I want to devote time to addressing an issue close to my heart and one of national importance, specifically, some of the funding issues around older people’s care, bringing financial services, policymakers, and care professionals together.”
The office of Sheriff of the City of London is one of the oldest in existence, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is also a necessary step towards becoming the Lord Mayor. In modern times, the Sheriffs’ duties include supporting the Lord Mayor in civic responsibilities and acting as ambassadors for the UK’s financial and professional services industry both domestically and internationally. They are based at the Old Bailey, playing a crucial role in upholding the rule of law.
Gregory Jones brings a rich legal background to the role. He studied law at New College, Oxford, served as President of the Oxford Law Society, and was Treasurer of the Oxford Union. He was called to the bar by Lincoln’s Inn, obtained an LLM at University College London, and gained experience at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Currently, he practices law at Francis Taylor Building, Temple, focusing on infrastructure, planning, environmental, climate change, and EU-related law.
David Chalk has a diverse background in research, strategy, and marketing. Educated at Chigwell School, Radley College, and Edinburgh University, he spent 20 years working in the City, including roles at the Henley Centre for Forecasting, WPP, and the Future Foundation. His career includes significant contributions to financial services for older people at Age Concern Enterprises, and he founded a care-in-the-home business aimed at helping seniors live independently.
In addition to their duties in assisting the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs play a vital role in supporting His Majesty’s Judges at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey). They promote the importance of the English rule of law to various sectors, including businesses, schools, diplomats, charities, the City Livery, and leading arts figures. The Old Bailey, where the Sheriffs work and reside during their tenure, is recognized globally as the most famous criminal court and is managed by the City of London Corporation.
