Sunday 08 March 2026 6:42 am  |  Updated:  Friday 06 March 2026 3:57 pm

Lady Mayor: It’s not right to pretend I’m no different to my male predecessors

By: Susan Langley

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After debuting as London’s first ‘Lady Mayor’, Susan Langley was inundated with emails telling her how she had inspired young girls to dream of leadership. Today, on International Women’s Day, she tells us about being the first woman to hold the position

The role of Lord Mayor of London dates back over 800 years and to date only three women have filled the post. I could’ve glossed over the issue of gender and insisted that I was no different to my male predecessors. But that wouldn’t have been authentic, and it wouldn’t have been right.  

The make-up of the City has changed considerably since I first started in the Square Mile. Women now make up around half of entry level positions in finance, but they’re still significantly underrepresented in senior roles, with just 15-20 per cent of top jobs held by women.  

After riding through the City in the golden state coach during the Lady Mayor’s Show, my inbox was filled with messages from parents telling me........

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