Key information
Request reference number: MGLA231023-8952
Date of response:
Summary of request
Your request
There are a number of images on the Internet of a foundation stone being laid on 16 October 2023 in which the stone says it's laid by Mayor Khan, Cllr Chris Hayward and Clive Bannister. The latter two are visible but not Mayor Khan. Please answer the following three FOI questions:
- Did Mayor Khan attend a joint ceremony with the two above named on the 16th October or not?
- If not, when did he cancel and for what reason?
- How much did the stone cost to make?
Our response
As a point of clarification, the foundation stone says, “On behalf of the people of London / 16 October 2023 / Christopher Hayward, Sadiq Khan, Clive Bannister” – not that it was “laid by” any of them.
Unfortunately, the Mayor was unable to attend the event due to other commitments. His presence was never confirmed, so there was no cancellation. The Mayor is often represented at external events by his Deputy Mayors; in this case, Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, was confirmed to be attending in his stead.
The new London Museum is working with partners to reuse, repair and recycle materials to create the most sustainable museum possible in Smithfield. The 19th century stone was gifted to the Museum of London by the City of London Corporation and was formerly part of Joseph Bazalgette’s Thames river wall at Victoria Embankment. It was removed to enable the new Thames Tideway Super Sewer and is one of a number of stones gifted to the City of London by Westminster City Council. If you have any further queries about the event, you are welcome to direct them to the museum. You can reach them through their contact form.