David Wootton (lord mayor)
Sir David Wootton | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 21, 1950 England |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, public official |
| Years active | 1979–2024 |
| Known for | 684th Lord Mayor of London (2011–2012), Alderman for Langbourn, Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England |
Sir David Hugh Wootton (born 21 July 1950) is a distinguished English lawyer and public official. He held the position of the 684th Lord Mayor of London from 2011 until 2012 and served as an Alderman representing the Ward of Langbourn until his retirement from the Court of Aldermen on 2 November 2024.
Early life
Wootton received his education at Bradford Grammar School before attending Jesus College, Cambridge, where he pursued studies in Classics and Law. During his time at Cambridge, he led his college’s boat club as captain in 1972.
Career
Between 1979 and 2015, Wootton was a partner at the international law firm Allen & Overy, headquartered in London with a presence in 30 countries. His expertise lay in corporate law, particularly handling mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and joint ventures on a global scale.
His involvement in City governance began in 2002 when he was elected Common councilman for the Ward of Farringdon Within. In 2005, he advanced to become Alderman for Langbourn. Throughout his tenure, he undertook significant responsibilities including Deputy Chairmanship of the Finance Committee and participation on the Policy and Resources Committee as well as the City Lands Committee. He was chosen as Sheriff in 2009 before ascending to the role of Lord Mayor from 2011 to 2012.
Wootton chaired numerous committees integral to City administration, such as the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen, Mayoral Visits Advisory Committee, and Freedom Applications Committee. Additionally, he contributed to various subcommittees within Policy & Resources.
Outside his municipal duties, Wootton has held prominent positions within business and legal sectors:
- Serving on the board of TheCityUK and acting as lead advisor on its Brexit Law Committee, providing government counsel on legal matters related to Brexit
- Vice Chairmanship of the International Trade and Investment Group
- Directorship at The International Dispute Resolution Centre
- Presidency of the City of London Branch of the Institute of Directors
- Chairing trustee boards for Morden College and the King's Fund Staff Pension Plan
- Trusteeships across several cultural, educational, and charitable entities including Jesus College Boat Club Trust and The Lord Mayor's 800th Anniversary Trust
He also fulfills judicial responsibilities as a magistrate on the Central London Bench and holds honorary academic titles such as Honorary Professor at London Metropolitan University Business School.
Wootton maintains active engagement with multiple Livery companies, having served as Master or Past Master in various organizations including the Worshipful Company of Fletchers and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. His affiliations extend to being a Steward at Henley Royal Regatta and memberships in esteemed clubs like Leander and Athenaeum.
His previous leadership roles encompass Chairmanships at Local Partnerships LLP and Northern Ballet, co-chairing the board for London’s Global Law Summit in 2015, Presidency of the City of London Law Society, Chairmanship of Charles Dickens Museum Trustees, and Governorships at Guildhall School of Music and Drama as well as Goodenough College among others.
In recognition of his contributions to legal commerce, philanthropy, and service to the City of London, Wootton was knighted in the 2013 New Year Honours. He has been awarded honorary doctorates by City University London (LLD) and Staffordshire University; holds Honorary Fellowships at Jesus College Cambridge and Guildhall School of Music and Drama; serves as one of Her Majesty’s Lieutenants for the City of London; and is a Knight of Justice within the Order of St John.
Personal life
Sir David is married to Elizabeth (Liz) and together they have four children—two sons and two daughters—as well as eight grandchildren. Their family home is located in Kent.
Freemasonry
An engaged member of the Freemason community, Wootton has served in prominent roles such as Senior Grand Warden of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London in 2007 and later as Past Grand Sword Bearer in 2012. He was named Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England in 2014 and advanced to Deputy Grand Master in 2022.