Westminster Council leader on the Oxford Street Plan & spending challenges.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan sits down on the 17th floor of City Hall with Councillor Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster City Council.

Paul reflects on his journey in Conservative Party politics—from joining during the 1997 general election defeat to serving on the party board and earning an OBE.

Now over 100 days into his leadership, he addresses the massive challenges facing Westminster, including a £160M budget gap driven by government funding cuts, proposed council tax increases of 75% to 100%, and the crackdown on dockless bikes.

He also sets the record straight on the recent “vertical drinking” media storm, outlines his stance against Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street Development Corporation, and explains his vision for bringing a fast-paced, private-sector ethos to local government.

He also sets the record straight on the recent “vertical drinking” media storm, outlines his stance against Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street Development Corporation, and explains his vision for bringing a fast-paced, private-sector ethos to local government.