Former Apprentice adviser is new leader of the opposition
Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE, who runs a mobile software development company, is selected by Conservatives
Friday, 26th January 2024 — By Tom Foot
Paul Swaddle pictured with the new deputy leader of the Conservative group on the city council, Caroline Sargent, who represents Abbey Road ward
THE Conservatives on the city council have selected a new leader.
Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE, a former adviser to Lord Sugar on The Apprentice TV show, has been announced after a group meeting last Wednesday.
Cllr Rachael Robathan, who was leader of the council between January 2020 and May 2022, has stepped down.
Cllr Swaddle said: “As leader of the Conservatives on Westminster City Council, I will hold the Labour administration accountable. They talk of a fairer Westminster but that is not the reality for most people who live or work in our city.”
Cllr Swaddle, who runs a mobile software development company based in Westminster, added: “Since Labour took control of the Council in May 2022, council tax has risen but the quality of local services has fallen.
“We hear more and more from people who feel let down.
“Local people are concerned about increased crime, anti-social behaviour on our streets, and the lack of police presence.
“The government has given London an extra 3,666 police officers, but the Labour Mayor of London, responsible for policing our capital, is not giving Westminster its fair share.
“People want to see clean streets, but we see fly-tipping and missed recycling and rubbish collections across Westminster. People want a transport system that is good for the environment, clean, and works for everyone, but e-bikes block our streets.
“Labour Westminster council is increasing parking charges for the cleanest vehicles, penalising those trying to do the right thing.
“During a cost-of-living crisis, fuelled by [Vladimir] Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, the Labour council should be supporting the most vulnerable, not increasing councillor allowances by up to 45 per cent or pushing up council tax.”
Cllr Swaddle, who represents Regent’s Park ward on the council, praised Rachael Robathan for her “outstanding contribution”, particularly in leading Westminster through the Covid-19 pandemic.
