Westminster Tories Fight Pedestrianisation, Oxford 2026 

Key Points

• Conservatives win back control of Westminster City Council with 32 seats to Labour’s 22 in a “knife-edge” election on May 7, 2026.
• New leader Paul Swaddle vows to establish a legal fund to challenge Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street pedestrianisation scheme.
• Pedestrianisation targets section from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street, aimed for completion by summer 2026, with permanent design by November 2027.
• Full vision: entire 1.2-mile Oxford Street car-free from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch.
• Plans controversial; hundreds opposed due to side road congestion and 15 bus routes affected; cyclists may use sections early morning/late night.
• Turnout: 36% average, up from 31.9% in 2022; 46,962 ballots verified.
• Labour’s Adam Hug retains Westbourne seat; Reform’s Alan Mendoza loses Abbey Road.
• Conservatives highlight protecting bus routes for less mobile residents and demanding full consultation data.

Oxford(Oxford Daily)May 09, 2026-In Westminster, the Conservatives have regained control of the council and immediately pledged a legal battle against Sir Sadiq Khan’s plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, as reported in the Evening Standard.

The Tories secured 32 seats to Labour’s 22 in the local elections held on May 7, 2026, described as a “knife-edge” result by multiple outlets. Paul Swaddle, Conservative Westminster Group Leader set to become the new council leader, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that among the party’s early actions would be setting up a legal fund to fight the Mayor of London’s scheme.

Sir Sadiq Khan green-lit the plans in February 2026, with traffic ban expected in “summer 2026” from Orchard Street to Great Portland Street. City Hall documents, signed by the mayor, outline a permanent design publication by November 2027, potentially including al fresco dining.

Why is the Oxford Street pedestrianisation scheme controversial?

The scheme has drawn significant opposition, with hundreds of respondents citing increased congestion on side roads and the need to curtail or divert 15 bus routes. Oxford Street is already largely car-free, limited to buses and black taxis, but the changes could allow cyclists in pedestrianised sections during early mornings and late nights.

As reported by the Conservative Westminster Group on their website, Cllr Paul Swaddle OBE previously criticised the plans, noting a consultation backed by only 4,000 Londoners. The group stated: “We will fight to protect the bus routes that less mobile people depend on to reach Oxford Street, ensuring no routes are removed until step-free access is guaranteed at Oxford Circus.”

In their ‘100-day plan’ shared on X on May 8, 2026, the Conservatives affirmed:

“We will demand a meeting with the Mayor to call for an Oxford Street u-turn and the release of the full consultation data. We will oppose any scheme imposed without genuine local consent.”

How did the Westminster council election unfold in 2026?

The election saw Conservatives, Labour, Reform, Greens, Liberal Democrats, one independent, and one Workers Party candidate compete across 18 wards. All 54 candidates from Conservatives, Labour, Reform, and Greens; Liberal Democrats fielded 45.

Labour’s former council leader Adam Hug held his Westbourne seat. Reform Councillor Alan Mendoza, who defected from Conservatives in November 2025, lost Abbey Road ward. Average turnout rose to 36% from 31.9% in 2022, with 46,962 ballots verified excluding Queen’s Park Community Council.

Paul Swaddle described the result as “fantastic” and noted:

“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.”

What are the detailed plans for Oxford Street under Sadiq Khan?

Mayor Khan’s vision extends to the full 1.2-mile stretch from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch. A City Hall press release via MyLondon on Facebook confirmed: “Sir Sadiq Khan has confirmed plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street by the end of this summer,” envisioning a tree-lined plaza with seating, play areas, and space for events like sports, culture, and fashion.

A YouTube update from February 2026 stated: “The pedestrianisation of London’s Oxford Street has been given official final approval by Sir Sadiq Khan… vehicles will be stopped from using the road by September, with further work to make the street more welcoming to pedestrians to follow.” Buses would divert to neighbouring streets, with new cycle routes.

BBC reporting from 2024 noted prior tensions, with Labour council leader Adam Hug stating no pedestrianisation plans post-election, though Westminster Council had earlier rejected the proposal.

Who supports and opposes the pedestrianisation?

Opposition includes local businesses and residents concerned about access. The Conservative pledge boosts hopes of opponents, as Oxford Street pedestrianisation was a key election issue.

Supporters see it transforming Europe’s busiest shopping street into a vibrant pedestrian hub. Local Government Lawyer reported on May 8, 2026:

“The Conservatives have said they will set up a ‘legal fighting fund’ to challenge Sadiq Khan’s pedestrianisation… to force him to listen to local people.”

AOL echoed:

“Tories vow legal challenge to Oxford Street pedestrianisation after winning back control.”

What immediate steps will the new Conservative council take?

Cllr Swaddle’s group plans to use planning processes, highways powers, and public scrutiny against the scheme. They aim for a meeting with the Mayor and full consultation data release.

The result shifts power after Labour’s historic 2022 win of the Tory flagship council.

Background of the Development

The push for Oxford Street pedestrianisation stems from long-standing efforts to revitalise the street, Europe’s busiest shopping area. Mayor Sadiq Khan approved initial phases in February 2026, building on consultations showing mixed support. Westminster Council, under previous Labour control since 2022, had rejected aspects, heightening tensions. Conservatives campaigned heavily against it, framing the 2026 election as a “referendum on Oxford Street.”

Prediction: Impact on Westminster Residents and Businesses

This legal challenge could delay or alter the summer 2026 traffic ban, maintaining current bus and taxi access vital for less mobile residents and shoppers. Businesses may face prolonged uncertainty over congestion and deliveries, while opponents gain leverage for revised consultations. Shoppers and workers could see sustained vehicle access short-term, but prolonged disputes might hinder long-term street improvements. If successful, it may preserve side road flow; failure could accelerate full pedestrianisation by 2027.