Day 8 of Labour Failure: Stop Labour’s Oxford Street Power Grab
Oxford Street is one of the most important streets in the country. But Westminster Labour have let local people down as Sadiq Khan ignores local voices.
Cllr Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster Conservatives, explains
Labour-led Westminster have handed control of Oxford Street to Sadiq Khan so he can push forward major changes from City Hall without proper input from local people.
Instead of defending the concerns of people that call Oxford Street their local high street, the Labour-led Council has surrendered the future of our most iconic high street to a Mayor who cares more about his legacy than the needs of local people.
Oxford Street is not just the nation's high street but the everyday high street for many people in Westminster. It is a lifeline for vulnerable and less mobile people who rely on direct buses to reach shops, pharmacies, GP surgeries and essential services. Any changes that restrict bus access must be shaped by the people who depend on it most.
📉 But Labour chose democratic deficit when residents needed representation.
The Labour Cabinet Member classified surrendering Oxford Street to Khan as a non-major decision. This blocked any call-in and prevented scrutiny or debate. Residents, disability groups and councillors were shut out of a process that should have been open, transparent and accountable.
🪞City Hall talks about openness and transparency yet consistently fails to practice it.
When asked to hand over the postcode-level data showing what local people really think about his Oxford Street plans, Khan refused. This secrecy undermines public confidence and excludes the very people who rely on accessible transport to remain connected to their local high street.
Changes to Oxford Street must protect accessibility and be shaped through genuine consultation. But Khan has chosen imposition over engagement to silence the voices of local people
👎 And in Downing Street, Labour offers no reassurance that accessibility or local voices will be protected.
The people of Westminster deserve better than a Labour Council and Government that talk about fairness but ignore the needs of those who depend on Oxford Street every day.
My message is simple:
• Protect accessible buses and transport routes on Oxford Street
• Defend the voices of local people, businesses and accessibility groups
• Stop Labour imposing major changes on Westminster without proper consultation
✅ If I am elected to lead Westminster in 2026, I will continue to fight Labour in Government and Sadiq Khan until they finally listen to the people of Westminster who rely on Oxford Street.
👇 You can help by backing my campaign to protect accessibility, defend local voices and stop Labour giving away control of Westminster’s high streets. Add your name below.
✅ By signing this petition, you are backing calls for:
• Genuine consultation with local people before any major changes to Oxford Street
• Protection of accessible transport, including direct bus routes that local people rely on
• Full transparency from Sadiq Khan and Westminster Labour, including releasing the postcode-level data behind their plans
