Using verified fact and informed deduction, we have pieced together the story behind Tim Hailes being replaced by Bronek Masojada as Lord Mayor of the City of London just four days before the “election” to that office. This crisis sent shock waves through the City Council and the Livery, and caused a PR disaster for which the Council’s Director of Communications, Rob Hall, must bear primarily responsibility. We also coment on the legacy of outgoing Lady Mayor, Sue Langley.