Standing for the first time, Sue Langley — Non-Executive Chairman of Gallagher’s UK Broking and Underwriting operations — swept to victory on 12 July, when she was elected Alderman for the Ward of Aldgate with immediate effect.
A strong showing in the polls saw Sue secure 174 votes, more than three times the number secured by incumbent Peter Hewitt, to become the fourth female alderman out of 25 serving the City of London. The Court of Aldermen is summoned and presided over by the Lord Mayor.
Grahame Chilton, CEO of Gallagher’s UK-based broking and underwriting divisions, said: “Huge congratulations to Sue from everyone here at Gallagher on being elected Alderman of Aldgate and taking on this important civic role in the City of London.
“At Gallagher we understand the strength and success that comes through encouraging and supporting diversity in every aspect of corporate life, and Sue has been a great advocate of all our work to foster a fair, respectful and inclusive culture. I know she will bring just as much energy, experience and determination for positive change to her new role at a macro-level representing the City.”
A former director of Lloyd’s of London, Sue joined Gallagher in September 2015 as Non-Executive Chairman of Arthur J. Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited and Chairman of the Remuneration & Nominations Committee. A prominent member of the government’s Women’s Business Council, Sue was granted an OBE in 2015 for services to women in business and put herself forward for the Alderman position believing it was time for a shake-up in the City’s elected representatives.
In the run-up to the vote, Sue told City Matters: “The Corporation needs diversity of thought, background and approach. It needs to reflect the brilliant society that we live in.”
Commenting on why she felt her experience and credentials made her a strong candidate, Sue added: “I understand what makes a business and a community work and my career spans retail, consulting, government and financial services. But perhaps more importantly, I’m not your typical candidate. I was born in the East End, I was the first person at my local school sent to university. If elected, I will continue to look for women with substance and indeed other diversity groups, in and around the other seats. Leading from the top down cannot be underestimated.”
