Our Leadership Team

Meet the team

The Conservative Leader of Westminster City Council is Cllr Paul Swaddle OBE. Paul's cabinet colleagues are

Councillor	Role
Cllr Caroline Sargent	Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement	"Westminster voted for safe streets, and that is exactly what we are going to deliver. From day one, I will deliver real enforcement action across our city so that residents feel the difference," says Caroline.
Cllr Tim Barnes	Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning	"Westminster is one of the world's great economic destinations. I will back our businesses, unlock investment and make sure planning works for the people who live and work here" says Tim.
Cllr Paul Fisher	Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance	“The days of Labour’s reckless waste are over. No more eye-watering pay rises or Geoffrey Osborne scandals. Every pound of Westminster residents' money will be spent with discipline, scrutiny and transparency," says Paul.
Cllr Lorraine Dean	Cabinet Member for Adults and Health	"Conservative compassion means practical action that changes lives. I will protect our most vulnerable residents, strengthen support for carers and make sure Westminster is a place where everyone can live with dignity," says Lorraine.
Cllr Hannah Galley	Cabinet Member for Children and Education	"Westminster's children's services were rated Outstanding under the last Conservative council. My mission is to protect that standard, invest in early intervention and make sure every child in Westminster gets the start they deserve," says Hannah.
Cllr Robert Rigby	Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Civic Pride	"Residents should be proud of their city and feel that their council is on their side. I will make sure Westminster listens, responds and delivers the civic pride our neighbourhoods deserve", says Robert.
Cllr Tim Mitchell	Cabinet Member for City Management	"A clean city is not a luxury. It is the basic standard Westminster deserves. I will make sure waste is collected reliably, graffiti is removed quickly, and our city is managed to the high standards residents expect", says Tim.
Cllr Mark Shearer	Cabinet Member for Innovation	"Better services at lower cost are what residents deserve. I will use technology and digital transformation to modernise how this council works and make every interaction with Westminster City Council simpler and faster," says Mark
Cllr David Harvey	Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration	"Westminster residents deserve homes that are well maintained, properly managed, and we build on the Conservatives' proud home delivery record in Westminster", says David.

All our new cabinet members will be formally confirmed at Full Council on 20 May, along with Westminster’s new Lord Mayor for 2026-2027

People

Tim Barnes

Councillor for West End Ward

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning

Having moved to the area around Fitzrovia while a student at UCL, Tim now lives in Soho. Previously a West End Councillor between 2018 and 2022, he was re-elected to the Council in September 2024. We asked Tim to introduce himself.My name is Tim Barnes, and I live and work in Soho.

Lorraine Dean

Councillor for Little Venice Ward

Cabinet Member for Adults and Health

Lorraine has lived in Little Venice since 1983 and ran a family electronics business on Edgware Road for 17 years. She now works locally at the City of Westminster college as a teaching assistant to young disabled adults.

Paul Fisher

Councillor for the West End Ward

Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance

Cllr Paul Fisher is a barrister specialising in commercial disputes and international arbitration. He has worked in London for well over a decade and has experience of living and working in the Middle East working on complex disputes.

David Harvey

Councillor for Vincent Square Ward

Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration

David Harvey has lived in Vincent Square for nearly 30 years and has served as a Westminster City Councillor since 2010.

Tim Mitchell

Councillor for St James's Ward

Cabinet Member for City Management

Tim Mitchell is a self-employed IT consultant who has lived and worked in Westminster for over 35 years.A councillor since 1998, he has served in roles covering all the Council’s responsibilities.

Robert Rigby

Councillor for Regent's Park Ward

Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Civic Pride

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.’

Caroline Sargent

Councillor for Abbey Road Ward

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement

Caroline Sargent is a lifelong Londoner and has called Westminster home for more than 15 years. Before returning to the city with her family, she worked internationally in the conference industry and now runs her own business.

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.