Since October 2010, Tower Hamlets Council has had an Elected Mayor who is responsible for the day to day running of the Council.

The role of Speaker of the Council was therefore instigated to provide an elected member who is responsible for the ceremonial duties of the Council which were carried out by the Civic Mayor until September 2010.

A new Speaker is elected every year from among the serving councillors in the borough.

It is his/her role to chair Council meetings and promote and support the borough through a variety of civic engagements.

The Speaker is the first citizen of the borough after the Monarch and his/her term of office denotes the municipal year. The Speaker represents the King as First Citizen of the Borough, hosting events and welcoming visitors such as other Royals and the captains of all ships visiting the local docks.

For more information, see Speaker of Council.