Ronnie Barker

Dear Friend,

Coleman Street is a ward with real momentum. February's aldermanic election showed genuine enthusiasm for this community, and with a by-election now upon us, I want to explain why I'm standing and why your vote on 4th of June matters.

I'm standing because Coleman Street deserves active, responsive representation. Not grand promises, but practical delivery. A councillor who listens first, then follows through.

My name is Ronnie Barker. I've spent over twenty years in financial and professional services in and around the Square Mile. Before that, I served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army. The values that shaped me then, duty, reliability and service, are the same values I'd bring to this ward.

The City of London Corporation is the oldest continuous governing body in this country. Serving on Common Council is a privilege I don't take lightly. If elected, I will show up, follow through, and represent Coleman Street with the consistency it deserves.

I want to build on the strong foundations laid by those who've served this ward before me, and work closely with the existing Coleman Street team.

From friends to Field Marshals, the support I've received for this campaign has been humbling. I'd be honoured to bring that same commitment and credibility to Coleman Street and earn your vote on 4th of June.

Yours sincerely,

Ronnie Barker

Independent Candidate for Coleman Street.

Ronnie Barker Over twenty years in the City.

Former Soldier & City Professional. A Track Record Of Delivery In Business And Community.

Ronnie Barker has spent more than two decades working in financial and professional services in and around the Square Mile, including roles at Zurich Advice Network and HBOS, building and running his own brokerage, and more recently advising SME principals on growth and exit.

He understands what businesses in the ward need from their representation at the Corporation: practical responsiveness, institutional literacy, and a councillor who picks up the phone.

Before his City career, Ronnie served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the British Army. The habits that shaped him there, disciplined leadership, reliability under pressure and operational delivery, are the same habits he brings to every commitment he makes today.

Ronnie also has a record of delivering for communities beyond his professional life. He played a leading role in coordinating Pride in London, working across the GLA, emergency services, and local businesses to deliver one of the capital's largest public events safely and at scale.

Following the London flash flooding of July 2021, he established and led a flood action group that worked with his local council and public agencies to secure meaningful drainage and resilience improvements. He has also helped transform neglected church land into a shared and open green space.

The common thread is the same one he would bring to Coleman Street: identifying what needs doing, building the right coalition, and seeing it through.

Ronnie is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, a member of the Honourable Artillery Company, and a Freeman of the City of London.

He is standing because Coleman Street deserves a councillor who shows up, follows through, and puts the ward first.

My Priorities for Coleman Street

1. Safer, Cleaner Streets

Coleman Street businesses pay premium rates and deserve streets that match. Hire bikes abandoned in doorways, construction sites with no regard for pedestrians, patchy street cleaning and safety concerns in poorly managed public spaces. These things add up, and they matter. I'll hold the Corporation to account on street enforcement and cleanliness, work with hire operators on responsible parking, engage with the City of London Police on ward safety, and push for updated Considerate Contractors Scheme standards to become the baseline for every development site in the ward. The small things are not small when they happen every day.

2. A Pro-Business Ward

Coleman Street has a distinctive mix of large corporates, professional and legal firms, SMEs and a growing hospitality offer. Each has different needs and all deserve a councillor who understands their world and picks up the phone. I've worked across financial services and business growth, and I'll bring that experience to bear: sitting on the relevant committees, advocating for simpler regulation, and making sure ward businesses have a direct line to someone who follows through. A pro-business ward needs a councillor who speaks the language, not just the policy.

3. Planning, Heritage and the Public Realm

Coleman Street sits within one of the most historically significant parts of the Square Mile. Finsbury Circus has just been restored and I want to build on that momentum. I'll seek a place on the Planning Committee, engage actively on applications affecting the ward's character, and make sure development enhances rather than erodes what makes this part of the City distinctive. I'll champion a retrofit-first approach, preserving the character and fabric of existing buildings rather than defaulting to demolition. And I'll support the Destination City agenda, helping make Coleman Street a place people want to work in, eat in and return to.

4. Supporting Veterans, Reservists and Forces Leavers

The City has a strong but under-connected veterans community. Forces leavers bring leadership, discipline and operational skills that City firms are only beginning to tap, but the pipeline from military service to the Square Mile is patchy at best. As a veteran myself, I understand that gap from both sides. I'll work with Veterans in the Square Mile, part of the Lord Mayor's City Belonging Project, to strengthen that pipeline and make the City a destination, not just a discovery, for those leaving the forces. Good for veterans, and good for City business.

5. Responsive, Visible Representation

Coleman Street deserves a councillor who shows up: in the ward, at the Corporation, and when businesses need them. I'll be a regular Tuesday presence in the ward and commit to a 24-hour email response standard. No issues without follow-up. No grand promises, just consistent, practical service. That's what showing up actually means.

What others say about Ronnie

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

After a short but impressive career in the Army, Ronnie has a proven track record of success in his second career in Financial Services in the City. Ronnie remains a leading light in our Regimental Association, supporting and serving that Veterans’ community. I know that he would also be an excellent leader, representative and servant for the Coleman Street Ward community, as he possesses the intellect, dedication, and reliability to represent that community with distinction.

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Chief of Defence Staff 2010-2013

Major General Nick Ashmore CB OBE

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

I have known Ronnie for some thirty years since we served together in the British Army. Ronnie has always had very sound judgement, an excellent work ethic, and can be relied upon in any situation. He is passionate about the City of London and serving its community. He would bring all his considerable leadership skills to bear, drawing upon the British Army leadership philosophy ‘serve to lead’, which emphasizes humility, service, and putting the needs of others first.

Major General Nick Ashmore CB OBE

Military Secretary, British Army 2015–2017

Sean Taylor FRSA

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Ronnie combines genuine City experience with the reliability of a former soldier. He listens, he delivers, and he understands what Coleman Street businesses need from their councillor.

Coleman Street would be fortunate to have him on the Common Council.

Sean Taylor FRSA

Arbuthnot Latham

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

As a Past Master Management Consultant and current Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen I have known Ronnie for a number of years.

During that time and across a range of City and Livery events I have always found Ronnie to be a man with high moral standards, a desire to give and contribute to society for the betterment of all and someone who can be trusted.

Through his time in the Worshipful Company of Carmen, he has echoed these traits in all that he has done.

I feel he would make great contributions to the ward, and this great City should he be elected.

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Master, Worshipful Company of Carmen

Allison Kemp MBE

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Allison Kemp MBE

I've known Ronnie for years through our City networks. He's a man of solid judgment and reliability, with deep experience of the Square Mile and a genuine commitment to practical improvements like better green spaces.

Coleman Street would be lucky to have his voice on the Common Council.

Allison Kemp MBE

Business Owner

Warwick Harris

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Allison Kemp MBE

I am very happy to endorse Ronnie as a councillor. He and I met a number of years ago when we were an integral part of organising and running of Pride parades in London where he rolled up his sleeves, got things done and demonstrated his communications skills, not only liaising with the general public but also the various agencies also involved, including the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London.

He understands how to work with people at both personal and professional levels, whether that be dealing with the public, business professionals and City regulators, something he has done well now over many years during his career. I wish him well and all success as a councillor.

Warwick Harris

Pride in London Volunteer & Kings Trust Mentor

Joy Laister

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Jonny Ball VR

Ronnie’s innate sense of duty and service to King country and community is attributed to his career and training within the British Army and in his family’s DNA.

He is an extremely approachable individual whom is very popular and offers his fellow Liverymen great camaraderie and support.

These qualities, combined with his willingness to contribute and serve, make him well-suited to represent Coleman Street Ward and to uphold the proud traditions and responsibilities associated with the wider City.

Joy Laister

Court Member & Deputy Chair of Membership, Worshipful Company of Carmen

Jonny Ball VR

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Jonny Ball VR

I was impressed at Ronnie's answer to the call to 'stand up and serve again', a message I have long espoused as an advocate of service-driven individuals harnessing their skills and values in public life.

People like Ronnie are a national asset to be harnessed. I do not hesitate in recommending him, after my own career of a decade in front line politics.

Jonny Ball VR

Host of Veterans In Politics Podcast & Co-Founder of UK Afghan Veterans Community

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Ronnie has a deep interest in the City, and is passionate with its traditions its workings and international respect throughout the world. On a personal note, I have found Ronnie to be most dependable, committed and reliable.

He has mentioned that he would wish to become a Common Councillor for Coleman Street Ward, and with his military background and integrity, I truly believe that he would be an ideal Candidate.

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Honourable Artillery Company Livery Association Chair

Your Vote Matters

Between the aldermanic election in February, local elections in May, and now this by-election, Coleman Street voters are being asked to turn out again. I understand the fatigue.

But February's aldermanic election saw strong turnout and real engagement across the ward. Let's keep that momentum going.

This by-election decides who represents Coleman Street on Common Council for the next three years — I'd encourage you to make your voice heard again, whether in person or by post.

Get in Touch

Contact Information

Whether you have a question about the ward, a local issue to raise, or just want to introduce yourself — I'd welcome hearing from you.

Email: ronnie@ronniebarker.london

Phone: 07973 160 066

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Book a Zoom call: Schedule a 15-minute call pick a time that works for you.

Chat with Ronnie on WhatsApp

Your Independent Candidate for Coleman Street

Ronnie Barker

Ronnie Barker Over twenty years in the City.

Former Soldier & City Professional. A Track Record Of Delivery In Business And Community.

Community in Action.

My Priorities for Coleman Street

1. Safer, Cleaner Streets

2. A Pro-Business Ward

3. Planning, Heritage and the Public Realm

4. Supporting Veterans, Reservists and Forces Leavers

5. Responsive, Visible Representation

What others say about Ronnie

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Major General Nick Ashmore CB OBE

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Sean Taylor FRSA

Field Marshal The Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Allison Kemp MBE

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Allison Kemp MBE

Warwick Harris

Andy Miles FCILT MSOE MIRTE

Allison Kemp MBE

Joy Laister

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Jonny Ball VR

Jonny Ball VR

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Jonny Ball VR

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Patrick Marsland-Roberts TD

Your Vote Matters

How to vote

By Post

In Person

Get in Touch

Reach Out to Ronnie

Contact Information

Vote By Post

Key electoral dates

Tuesday 19th May

Deadline for applying to vote by post

5pm

Tuesday 19th May

Deadline for applying to vote by post

5pm

Wednesday 27th May

Deadline for applying to vote by proxy vote

5pm

Wednesday 27th May

Deadline for applying to vote by proxy vote

5pm

Wednesday 3rd June

Wardmote: St Margaret Lothbury Church, Lothbury, EC2R 7HH

5pm

Wednesday 3rd June

Wardmote: St Margaret Lothbury Church, Lothbury, EC2R 7HH

5pm

Thursday 4th June

Polling Day: St Margaret Lothbury Church, Lothbury, EC2R 7HH

8am

-

8pm

Thursday 4th June

Polling Day: St Margaret Lothbury Church, Lothbury, EC2R 7HH

8am

-

8pm

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