Second female Lord Mayor in 800 years

A woman has been elected Lord Mayor of London for only the second time in 800 years.

Fiona Woolf, a partner at law firm CMS Cameron McKenna, will become the 686th head of the City of London Corporation when she takes up the role next month.

The 65-year-old, who is an expert in electricity markets and infrastructure, follows in the footsteps of Mary Donaldson, the first woman chosen for the position in 1983.

She said: “Despite all the difficulties, the UK financial, business and professional services sectors continue to play a crucial role in driving jobs and growth in the UK and right across the world.”