August 21st 2024.
Taylor Swift's love for London has been well-documented and it seems that the Lord Mayor is eager to repay her for the boost she has given to the city. The pop megastar has had an incredibly successful tour, with London hosting the most nights of her Eras tour compared to any other city in the world. This includes four shows in June and four more this month. Experts estimate that her impact on the economy of the city could be as much as £300 million, which is no small feat.
In light of her contributions, the Liberal Democrats are proposing to grant Swift with one of the city's most prestigious awards, the Freedom of the City of London. The party praises Swift's generous spirit, citing her donations to food banks during her tour stops in the UK. They also take a jab at the previous government, stating that Swift's career has been one of "endless philanthropy" and using her platform to bring about positive changes in the music industry.
Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney, who serves as the party's Treasury spokesperson, adds that Swift's Eras tour has not only brought joy to thousands of fans, but it has also provided a much-needed boost to the British economy. She believes that Swift is deserving of London's highest honor for her contributions. Swift has already made history by being the first solo artist to perform at Wembley eight times in one tour, solidifying her love for the city.
It's no secret that Swift is a fan of all things British, having reportedly lived in north London during her six-year relationship with English actor Joe Alwyn. She has also referenced the city in many of her hit songs, including "So Long, London" from her latest album "The Tortured Poets Department," which she performed live for the first time at Wembley yesterday. This further solidifies her connection to the city and its people.
The Liberal Democrats are also making sure to show their support for Swift, with MP Tom Gordon attending one of her shows and even taking a selfie with the caption "It's me, hi." He has also tabled an Early Day Motion in parliament to recognize the economic impact of Swift's tour on the UK economy, estimating it to be close to £1 billion across her appearances in London, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
To be granted the Freedom of the City of London, Swift would need to be nominated by two elected Members of the City of London Corporation or two members of a City livery company. While there are no Liberal Democrats on the Corporation, the policy chairman Chris Hayward has expressed openness to the possibility. He believes that if Swift were to be nominated and attend the ceremony, she would have the best day exploring all the cultural and historical highlights that the Square Mile has to offer.
Some recent recipients of the Freedom include footballer Harry Kane, vaccine scientist Dame Sarah Gilbert, and West End impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh. Another musician, Ed Sheeran, who joined Swift on stage last week, was awarded the Freedom in 2022. It's clear that Swift is in good company and her contributions to London are being recognized and celebrated.
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