Three new Conservative councillors made their maiden speeches at Westminster Full Council on 11 November: Cllr Mark Tozer for Bayswater, Cllr Philip Stephenson-Oliver for Lancaster Gate and Cllr Greg Ero for Hyde Park.
Mark Tozer, Bayswater
Mark grew up in Bayswater and was mugged more than once coming home from school. "No child should have to get used to that." He told the chamber about George, whose barber shop on Queensway has cut his hair since he was a boy, and who now leaves his till open, empty and visible overnight. "When families feel unsafe and can't afford to live here because of short-term lets, our schools lose pupils, our streets lose neighbours, and George loses customers."
Philip Stephenson-Oliver, Lancaster Gate
Philip thanked the cabinet member for enforcement for touring his ward to look at rough sleeping, antisocial behaviour on Queensway and Airbnbs on Gloucester Terrace, and made the case for Westminster's own money. "This city provides 8% of all tax revenues when it comes to business rates, and yet we are only allowed to keep 5% of that. That is now cut to 2.5%." His message: "This council, this Conservative council, will stand up for you."
Greg Ero, Hyde Park
Greg, whose children were born at St Mary's Hospital, set out the work on the Edgware Road after disorder following World Cup matches this summer, including the first operation to clear unlicensed tables and chairs, which removed 15 tables, 30 chairs and two parasols. "I look forward to working with colleagues, council officers, and partners to keep our streets cleaner, safer, and taking real action to make Hyde Park Ward an even better place to live, work, and bring up a family."
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