Council Budget 2023: The Cost of Labour

We have been amazed by the outcry from local people following the new Labour administration’s announcement earlier this month.


Whatever your political affiliation, seeing council tenant rents increase by 7%, Council tax up by 2% and homes for key workers - like our junior doctors, nurses, and teachers - being slashed, simply seems unfair.

More than anything, people are shocked to see Labour Councillors unanimously vote to award themselves a pay increase of up to 45% for senior roles.

This cannot be justified in a cost-of-living crisis when so many people are worried about paying their bills.

We are calling on Labour Councillors to think again about this and we’re asking people to sign our petition here - asking the senior Labour Councillors to donate their extra pay to local cost-of-living charities.

In the meantime, your local Conservative Councillors Ralu Oteh-Osoka, Robert Rigby, and Paul Swaddle are working hard on local issues that matter most to you. Tackling waste concerns and dealing with road and traffic issues, anti-social behaviour and housing repairs are at the top of our work - as this newsletter shows.

You may also be interested in

Budget 2023: The Cost Of Labour

On Wednesday 8 March, Labour councillors forced through an unnecessary plan to increase the pay of their own senior team. Labour Cabinet members will receive a staggering 45% increase (and deputy cabinet members a 15% increase) from levels set by the Conservative administration in 2022. Meanwh
Ralu Oteh-Osoka

Ralu Oteh-Osoka

Councillor for Regent's Park Ward
Ralu Oteh-Osoka has represented the residents of North Marylebone & St John’s Wood since 2022.Self-described as a ‘Child of Westminster’ she was born & bred in Maida Vale / Little Venice and has lived there nearly all her life.Politically, she has been involved heavily at the local grassroot
Robert Rigby

Robert Rigby

Councillor for Regent's Park Ward
Robert Rigby has lived in St John’s Wood for over 30 years with his wife Emiko, working in the travel sector as a sales and marketing specialist. He has been a Councillor represented Regent’s Park Ward since 2010. He is committed to serving and being a voice for the community ensuring value for money and good services, working tirelessly to retain St John’s Wood and North Marylebone's unique character and appeal. He has also been Lord Mayor of Westminster (May 2024 - May 2025). Robert said, ‘I am enthusiastic about helping others and standing up for residents and businesses to ensure we have a vibrant community.’
Paul Swaddle Headshot

Paul Swaddle

Councillor for Regent's Park Ward
Leader of the Conservative Group at Westminster City Council
Paul lives in North Marylebone and brings a wealth of real-world experience to the City Council as the CEO of a central London software company. Having lived in the St John’s Wood and Marylebone area since 2015, Paul has served as a dedicated local councillor since 2018.

Regent's Park

Sign up for local community emails, full of interesting news and updates for people living in our part of London.

Its time for Safe Streets in Westminster

Under Labour, crime has got worse. Phone theft, antisocial behaviour, public disorder and drug dealing have all increased. People think twice before using their phone on the street. Shopkeepers have accepted shoplifting as a daily reality. Families avoid their local parks. And schools have lost community police officers. All under Sadiq Khan’s watch as Westminster Labour have overseen managed decline.