Henry Pollard (British politician)

Henry Pollard is a British local politician who serves as a Common Councillor in the City of London Corporation, representing the Ward of Dowgate. He has been active in City politics since the early 2000s and has held several leadership roles within the Corporation.
Career
Pollard was elected to the Court of Common Council, the principal decision-making assembly. In this capacity, he has been involved in setting policy on various matters affecting the City, including transportation, the built environment, and the financial services sector. His work includes participation in committees dedicated to the stewardship of the City's commerce, heritage, and local governance.
Chair of the Markets Committee
From 2022 until April 2025, Pollard served as Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Markets Committee, overseeing the management of the City's three historic wholesale markets: Smithfield, Billingsgate, and New Spitalfields. During his tenure, he worked on the Corporation’s Markets Co-Location Programme, an initiative to consolidate the markets at a new site in Dagenham, East London. He emphasized ensuring the markets’ efficient management and their continued role as vital hubs for commerce and food security.
In late 2024, when the City Corporation voted to halt the relocation plan, Pollard raised concerns about the process. He wrote to fellow council members warning that proceeding without a promised food security report was misguided and cautioned that the proposed £300+ million compensation for market traders could amount to a misuse of public funds.
Chief Commoner
In October 2024, Pollard was elected by the Court of Common Council to the office of Chief Commoner, succeeding Peter Dunphy in April 2025. The Chief Commoner acts as an ambassador at ceremonial occasions and upholds the rights and standards of the elected Common Council members.
On the evening of his installation as Chief Commoner, Pollard attended the Guild of Young Freemen’s inaugural Reunion Banquet at Stationers’ Hall, marking his continued engagement with the City's civic traditions.
Other civic contributions
Beyond his headline roles, Pollard has contributed to the City of London Corporation through various committees, including Planning and Transportation, Port Health and Environmental Services, Investment, and the Gresham Committee. He also served for many years on the Local Government Pensions Board, being its longest-serving member as of 2024.
Livery and guild involvement
Henry Pollard is a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies. His association with the livery movement reflects a longstanding commitment to civic life, education, and charitable giving. He is also a Past Master of the Guild of Investment Managers and a former member of the Guild of Young Freemen, an organisation that supports the next generation of civic leaders and encourages participation in the life and traditions of the City.

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