The Mayor of London has received the green light to utilize the coat of arms previously associated with the Greater London Council (GLC).

Last week, the King authorized a warrant for the Greater London Authority (GLA) after Sir Sadiq Khan put forth a petition in February seeking permission to adopt the coat of arms.

This emblem features six blue and white waves symbolizing London’s position along the River Thames, along with a gold Saxon crown set against a red backdrop, which signifies the city’s Saxon heritage and its historical county, Middlesex.

Originally granted to the GLC in October 1966, the coat of arms fell into disuse after the council was dissolved in 1986.

A representative for the GLA remarked that this decision signifies “a significant milestone as we celebrate the GLA’s 25th anniversary,” and highlights “the crucial history of devolved governance in the capital.”

The GLC, which had previously borne this emblem, was dissolved under the Local Government Act 1985 amidst ongoing disputes between its leader, Ken Livingstone, and then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

While most local authorities possess their own coats of arms, the GLA did not pursue one upon its establishment in 2000.

To obtain a coat of arms, authorities must submit an application to the College of Arms, which oversees heraldic matters in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Any significant decisions made by the College are required to be announced by the King.

The proposal to reinstate the GLC’s coat of arms was initially put forward by former London Assembly member Tom Copley in 2020, with support from Conservative Assembly member Tony Arbour at that time.

Mr. Copley, now serving as the deputy mayor for housing, expressed on X that this decision is “a delightful 25th anniversary present for the GLA.”