The Conservatives have vowed to block Sadiq Khan's £150 million plan to ban traffic on Oxford Street after winning back control of Westminster council. Paul Swaddle, the Tory leader in the area, announced on Friday that he would establish a legal fund to challenge the mayor's proposals following the party's victory in the local elections.
Election Results
The Conservatives secured 32 seats on the central London council, compared to Labour's 22, in what was described as a 'knife edge' election. Swaddle called the result 'fantastic', telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'Neither Greens nor Reform made any inroads, and both of them threw quite a lot at it. So as far as that's concerned, here in Westminster, I'm very pleased with the result.'
Legal Challenge
Swaddle said one of the Tories' first moves will be setting up a legal fund to block the pedestrianisation, which he has criticised while in opposition. Khan gave the revamp plans the green light in February, with City Hall papers authorising the changes and stating that traffic will be stopped in 'summer 2026'.
The scheme would close the west part of the shopping and tourism street to cars, buses, and taxis, starting near Ikea at one end and stretching past Selfridges at the other. Bicycles and scooters would even be banned at some times of day, only allowed to use the road early in the morning and late at night. The plan also includes more trees, greenery, and rest areas for people to sit and for children to play, while the mayor has also expressed a desire for a new events space in the area.
Conservative Opposition
Tory councillors oppose the plan amid fears that it would bring more traffic to surrounding streets, upsetting residents. Labour won the council four years ago, marking the first time they had taken it in the borough's history, which has mostly been Conservative-controlled.
Last month, Swaddle called the election a 'referendum on Oxford Street', and said the then-Labour council 'surrendered control, blocked scrutiny and buried the concerns of local people'. He added: 'A Conservative council will fight for Oxford Street: protecting bus routes, step-free access, demand transparency from Sadiq Khan and listening to local concerns.'
Sadiq Khan was approached for comment.
