Pictured: Cllr Paul Swaddle, right, with Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Caroline Sargent.
Conservative councillors in Westminster have selected Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE to become the new Leader of the Westminster Council Conservative Group.
After four years as Leader of the Conservative Group and Leader of the Council until May 2022, Cllr Rachael Robathan announced in December that she intended to step down from the Leadership.
After the Group meeting on Wednesday, 17 January, Cllr Swaddle outlined his immediate priorities for the Council and the City of Westminster.
"As Leader of the Conservatives on Westminster City Council, I will hold the Labour administration accountable – they talk of a fairer Westminster, but that is not the reality for most people who live or work in our City."
Cllr Swaddle, who also runs a mobile software development company based in Westminster and was recruited as an advisor to Lord Sugar on the TV show The Apprentice, explained:
“London is the greatest city in the world. Westminster is the beating heart of our capital, but it faces complex challenges.
“Since Labour took control of the Council in May 2022, council tax has risen, but the quality of local services has fallen.
“We hear more and more from people who feel let down.
“Local people are concerned about increased crime, anti-social behaviour on our streets, and the lack of police presence. The government has given London an extra 3,666 police officers, but the Labour Mayor of London – responsible for policing our capital - is not giving Westminster its fair share.
“People want to see clean streets, but we see fly-tipping and missed recycling and rubbish collections across Westminster.
“People want a transport system that is good for the environment, clean, and works for everyone, but e-bikes block our streets. Labour Westminster Council is increasing parking charges for the cleanest vehicles – penalising those trying to do the right thing.
“During a cost-of-living crisis, fuelled by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, the Labour Council should be supporting the most vulnerable – not increasing councillor allowances by up to 45% or pushing up council tax.
“I hope you will join us to ensure that Westminster is truly a City for All.”
Cllr Swaddle succeeds Cllr Rachael Robathan, who was Leader of Westminster City Council between January 2020 and May 2022. In closing his remarks, Cllr Swaddle thanked Cllr Robathan for her outstanding contribution to public life, particularly in leading Westminster through the pandemic. Rachael commented,
"It has been a great honour to lead the Conservative Group at the Council, but now is the right time to hand over the reins, and I leave the group in very strong hands. For people living in Knightsbridge & Belgravia, I hope you will notice no difference in your local representation as I remain fully committed to working with you and hope - voters allowing - to stand again at the next election."
