A Westminster councillor has quit Labour and defected to the Tories blaming what he described as Sir Sadiq Khan’s “vanity projects”, such as the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.
Announcing he was joining the Conservatives, Councillor Paul Fisher said the Mayor of London was more interested in planning schemes “than addressing crime and the very real fears that many local people have about their safety”.
He added that he also did not agree with the Labour Government’s plans “to tax, spend and borrow its way to prosperity”.
Labour won control of the flagship central London council for the first time at the local elections in 2022.
But since then the party has lost three local by-elections. Sir Sadiq’s decision to seize control of Oxford Street from the local authority and part pedestrianise it was partly blamed for the loses.
Labour now hold 28 seats on Westminster council to the Conservative’s 26.
Barrister Mr Fisher has represented the West End ward, which covers Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Fitzrovia, Marylebone, Mayfair and Soho, since 2022.
He said: “I am joining the Conservative Party for three reasons: Stagnation, Sadiq and Security.
“Under a Labour government, our country is being pushed into economic stagnation with a tax on jobs stifling economic growth. Labour’s “solution” to Britain’s problems is to tax, spend and borrow its way to prosperity.
“As Mayor, Sadiq Khan has failed London. He is more focused on vanity projects such as Oxford Street pedestrianisation than addressing crime and the very real fears that many local people have about their safety and security.”
He added: “I am disappointed that the Labour Party I have worked hard for over many years is not delivering solutions to the problems we all face.
“The Conservative Party in Westminster has shown me they are listening, and they have a passion for finding pragmatic answers to the problems of our City.”
Leader of Westminster council Adam Hug told the Standard: “We are deeply disappointed to hear of Paul’s decision, despite his being elected less than three years ago by Labour voters in the West End.
“As a council we are committed taking action to address crime and anti social behaviour through investing in CCTV, new city inspectors and other measure after the Tories withdrew from the scene on these issues.
“We will continue to stand up for local residents whilst growing the local economy and improving the performance of our services.”
