COLEMAN STREET WARD
The Corporation of London governs the Square Mile. This is unique in the UK.
The Corporation employs around 3,400 paid staff. It’s governance built around three closely linked elements: Wards, Aldermen, and Common Councillors. Together, they form the democratic structure of the Corporation of London.
Wards (Boroughs)
The City is divided into 25 wards, each representing a defined geographic area. Unlike other local authorities, the City’s wards reflect not only residential populations but also the large working population. As a result, businesses as well as residents are entitled to vote in City elections, recognising the City’s role as a global financial and commercial centre.
Common Councillors
Alongside the Alderman, each ward elects between two and ten Common Councillors, depending on the ward’s size. They serve four-year terms and form the Court of Common Council, the City’s primary decision-making body. This court sets policy, approves budgets, and oversees services such as policing, planning, housing, and education.
In practice, Common Councillors focus on day-to-day governance, while Aldermen provide senior leadership, continuity, and ceremonial representation. Together, they ensure that both residents and businesses have a voice in the City’s governance. This distinctive system reflects the City’s long history while enabling it to govern a modern, international business hub.
Coleman Street Ward
Coleman Street Ward is one of the City’s historic wards, located in the north-east of the Square Mile around Moorgate and London Wall. The ward is defined more by its working population than its residential base, with a strong concentration of financial services, professional firms, and modern office developments alongside key transport connections.
Like all City wards, Coleman Street combines historic roots with a contemporary commercial character, reflecting the City’s global business role. Representation in the ward balances the interests of businesses and residents, ensuring that those who work in the area have a voice in governance through the City’s unique democratic system.
Alderman
Each ward elects one Alderman, the senior elected representative. Aldermen typically serve a six-year term and fulfil ceremonial and civic roles. Collectively, they sit on the Court of Aldermen, which approves senior appointments, supports the Lord Mayor, and upholds City traditions. Aldermen also act as ambassadors for their wards and for the City as a whole.
