New Conservative Cabinet Takes Over Westminster City Council

Following the local elections on May 7, the Conservative Party has secured a majority in Westminster City Council, winning 32 of the 54 seats. A new Tory cabinet has been proposed, with Councillor Paul Swaddle set to be officially sworn in as leader at the Full Council meeting on May 20. Swaddle previously led the council before the 2022 elections.

New Leadership and Cabinet Roles

The proposed cabinet includes a new role: Cabinet Member for Enforcement, which will be held by Councillor Caroline Sargent. She will also serve as Deputy Leader alongside Councillor Tim Barnes, who will take on the role of Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning. Other key appointments include Paul Fisher as Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance, Lorraine Dean for Adults and Health, Hannah Galley for Children and Education, Robert Rigby for Resident Services and Civic Pride, Tim Mitchell for City Management, Mark Shearer for Innovation (also Chief Whip), and David Harvey for Housing and Regeneration.

Councillor Swaddle expressed his commitment to listening to residents and delivering on their priorities, including safe streets, a clean city, and action on issues like graffiti and dockless bikes. He emphasized the importance of making Westminster affordable for key workers such as teachers, police officers, and health workers, and pledged to make the council more accessible and transparent.

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Labour Opposition

The Labour Group, which now holds the remaining 22 seats, has appointed Councillor Ellie Ormsby as the new Leader of the Opposition. She replaces former Council Leader Adam Hug, who did not join the opposition cabinet. Councillor Aicha Less and Councillor Robert Eagleton will serve as joint Deputy Leaders of the Opposition, while Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, previously a joint Deputy Leader, becomes Opposition Whip.

Councillor Ormsby acknowledged the disappointment of the election result but praised the legacy of Adam Hug, describing him as a phenomenal leader who achieved significant progress in building a fairer Westminster. She vowed to provide strong and effective opposition, holding the new Conservative administration accountable.