Labour’s Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, is trying to take over control of Oxford Street with plans to pedestrianise it.
Plans to pedestrianise the street have been considered by both Conservative and Labour administrations in Westminster for nearly two decades. A proposal was put forward for public consultation in 2018 but a huge level of public protest led to the council withdrawing the plans. The Mayor said he would return to the issue and with the help of the national Labour government, he is now doing so.
The Mayor didn’t like the result when we asked people what they thought of the ideas and so now he is trying to take on new powers so he no longer has to listen to local residents.
He wants to introduce a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) where he would have direct control over Oxford Street with local residents and businesses no longer having the rights to comment that they have today.
The Mayor is trying to use the MDC to overturn local democracy because he knows local people overwhelmingly disagree with his plans.
This is becoming a pattern of authoritarian behaviour from the Mayor who is using support from Angela Rayner, as the relevant Secretary of State, to try and take over licensing powers in central London too, meaning more late night drinking regardless of what local people and businesses might think.
The Mayor’s plans for the MDC are currently out for consultation. He has a one-sided website where he outlines his plans. It only talks about the MDC for now and there are few details about what he wants to do with his own plans because he knows they will be unpopular. Visit the Mayor's official consultation.
But you can also have your say. The deadline for comments is 2 May and we strongly encourage everyone to make their thoughts about this anti-democratic plan that will take power further away from residents.
What everyone really wants is to be able to shop and feel safe. The Mayor already has all the powers he needs and is responsible for the police in London but instead of concentrating on that, he is trying to expand his powerbase.
We think Sir Sadiq Khan should be stopped and if the Conservatives take control of Westminster Council in 2026, we will lead the charge against these ridiculous plans.
Share your thoughts about Oxford Street with us
PS In a little over a year you will have a chance to vote for change locally. Your views matter and we want to hear from you, on this or any other matter. Share your feedback.
