Key Points
- Westminster Council’s new Conservative leader has urged Sir Sadiq Khan to meet and “sit down” with him to discuss a revised Oxford Street plan.
- The council says the current approach to Oxford Street needs rethinking.
- The issue centres on the future of Oxford Street and how regeneration and pedestrianisation should be handled.
- The dispute comes after previous tensions over who should control plans for the area.
- The story has renewed debate over the balance of power between Westminster Council and the London mayor.
Oxford (Oxford Daily)May 25 ,2026 Westminster Council has called for a rethink of the future of Oxford Street after its new Conservative leader asked London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to meet him and work out a different plan for the West End.
What does Westminster Council want?
As reported by BBC News, the council’s new leader has asked Sir Sadiq Khan to “sit down with him” so the two sides can agree on “a plan that actually” works for Oxford Street. The request signals that the council wants a fresh look at the direction of the project rather than continuing with the current approach unchanged.
The dispute is centred on one of London’s most high-profile retail streets, where decisions over regeneration, transport and pedestrian access carry major political and commercial consequences. Westminster Council has made clear that it believes the current plan needs revision, though the article does not set out a final alternative proposal from the council in the reported lines.
Why is Oxford Street controversial?
Oxford Street has long been a flashpoint in London politics because any major change affects shoppers, businesses, transport users and nearby residents. BBC News previously reported accusations that Sir Sadiq Khan was seeking a “power grab” over the area, showing that the row over control has been building for some time.
The latest development adds another layer to that argument, with the council now pushing for direct talks instead of a top-down decision. The central issue remains who should shape the future of the street and how far that plan should go in changing its current use and layout.
What has been said so far?
BBC News reported that the new Conservative leader of Westminster Council has invited Sir Sadiq Khan to discuss a practical solution. MyLondon also reported that the council leader asked the mayor to “sit down” with him so both sides could work out a better plan together.
Earlier reporting from BBC News noted that Sir Sadiq Khan wanted to use new powers to take control of the area away from Westminster Council, which helped fuel the political dispute now surrounding the street. That context explains why the latest call for talks is important: it suggests the debate is no longer only about the plan itself, but also about who gets to lead it.
How does this affect businesses?
For businesses around Oxford Street, the uncertainty around the plan can influence footfall expectations, investment decisions and longer-term planning. Retailers and landlords usually want clarity on transport access, pedestrian flow and the likely shape of any redevelopment before committing resources.
A revised agreement between City Hall and Westminster Council could reduce that uncertainty if both sides settle on a shared direction. However, continued disagreement could slow decisions and keep the future of the street in political dispute.
Why does this matter now?
This story matters because Oxford Street is not just a local planning issue; it is one of London’s most visible commercial spaces. Any change to its layout or management affects how the West End functions as a shopping and visitor destination.
The request for direct talks also suggests that both sides recognise the need for a workable compromise. That makes the next phase of discussion important for anyone following London transport policy, local government powers or the future of the capital’s retail core.
Background of the development
The row over Oxford Street has been developing for months, with earlier BBC reporting saying Sir Sadiq Khan wanted to use new powers to take control of the area from Westminster Council. That move triggered criticism and accusations of a “power grab,” showing that the issue was already politically sensitive.
More recent reporting suggested that the council had already spent money on a fully costed plan before it was rejected or overridden, adding to frustration among local Conservatives. The current call for a rethink comes against that backdrop of tension over authority, spending and the best way to reshape the street.
Prediction for businesses and residents
If Westminster Council and City Hall reach a compromise, businesses around Oxford Street could get clearer planning signals and more confidence about future visitor numbers. Residents may also benefit if the final plan reduces confusion over traffic, access and long-term development management.
If the dispute continues, the main effect will likely be delay, with businesses and stakeholders left waiting for certainty. That would keep Oxford Street in the headlines but may slow practical progress on the ground.
