Abbey welcomes new Lord Mayor of Westminster
Sunday, 28th June 2026
Matins, attended in Civic State by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Karen Scarborough, was held at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 28th June 2026.
The annual service celebrates the historic links between the Abbey and the City of Westminster.
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, welcomed the Lord Mayor and Councillors of the City of Westminster to the service, pronounced the Blessing and preached the sermon.
Councillor Paul Swaddle read Deuteronomy 15:1-11; and the Lord Mayor read Philippians 4:4-13.
Prayers were led by Tessa Bosworth, Minor Canon and Succentor.
The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, Andrew Nethsingha. The organ was played by Matthew Jorysz, Sub-Organist.
Before the service, the Abbey’s Laetatus bell was tolled. The bell is inscribed with the words: ‘May the City flourish: May Parliament flourish’.
A collection was taken for the Lord Mayor's nominated charities, The Passage and Young Westminster Foundation.
