Style -- 1 day ago
They operate in one of the greatest social theatres the world has ever seen, their sphere of influence spreads far beyond the capital – with some being players on the world stage and of course, they know ‘The Big Smoke’ like the back of their hand. These are the most connected men in London.
CHARLES SAATCHI
The Iraqi-born, British art dealer and businessman has had a rather torrid time in the press of late – but Nigella Lawson’s ex remains one of London’s preeminent movers and shakers. A great advocate for new and exciting art, he opened the Saatchi gallery in 1985 and it remains one of the most popular galleries in London.
ALEXANDER LEBEDEV
The Russian owner of The Independent may no longer be a billionaire after irritating Vladimir Putin one too many times, however, he still remains a force in the UK. He has influence over almost every Londoner, as most of them read the other major newspaper he owns; the free London Evening Standard.
FRASER NELSON
The young editor of The Spectator is following in the footsteps of many esteemed Londoners including Boris Johnson, Dominic Lawson and Matthew D’Ancona, who have used the magazine as a springboard to high esteem within the media and political establishment.
CHUKA UMUNNA
The shadow business secretary is anathema to many of those on the right, however his influence within certain London circles cannot be downplayed. Often touted as Britain’s answer to Obama, the left-wing firebrand may yet become very powerful in the capital.
STEPHEN FRY
Fifteen years ago Stephen Fry was a well respected TV actor who was best know for his roles as Lord – and General – Melchett in Blackadder. Now Fry has evolved from jobbing TV actor to film star, TV presenter, writer and activist. It seems that there is not one area that the affable star does not want to conquer.
BORIS JOHNSON
The bumbling mayor of London needs no introduction and may yet be a future prime minister if Cameron fails to win the next election. Effervescent, unpredictable and roaring fun, Boris knows everybody worth knowing.
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
Benedict Cumberbatch is something of a late bloomer. At the end of 2006 he was already 31, old for industry standards, and only had three film credits to his name – eight busy years later and he’s one of the world’s most recognisable faces. As Sherlock Holmes he is a living advertisement for the capital and is the first name on everybody’s guestlists.
GEORGE OSBORNE
Not many predicted that Gideon Osbourne would become one of the most competent chancellors in living memory – but lo and behold, that’s exactly what has happened. Cameron famously beat Osbourne to the punch when it came to declaring party leadership bids – many conservatives must be cursing that he did.
SIR NICHOLAS SEROTA
Photo copyright to Charles Glover.
The director of the Tate museums and galleries has really driven the institution into the 21st century. Never one to shy from controversy, Serota has often shaken the boat, making him one of the more outlandish and forward thinking art bigwigs.
CHRISTOPHER BAILEY
Often credited as the man who breathed new life into the stagnant British fashion scene, Bailey has taken over from Angela Ahrendts as the CEO of Burberry. Bailey helped grow Burberry from a mid-level British fashion brand, into an international colossus and has been lauded – both for his astonishing creativity and business acumen.
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