Westminster City Council Local Elections 2026

The Westminster City Council administration leads on a wide range of decision-making areas, including licensing, street management and cleansing, investment in the public realm, planning, and measures to support safety, all of which can directly affect your day-to-day operations. This is why these elections matter to you. At HOLBA, we remain a non-partisan organisation, ensuring the priorities of West End businesses are understood, while keeping a close eye on developments and standing ready to support your business.

On Friday 8 May Westminster City Council returned to Conservative control under Cllr Paul Swaddle, following a closely fought election shaped by local issues, ward-level contests and strong turnout in key areas.

What could change for West End businesses?

The Westminster City Council administration leads on a range of areas of decision-making that directly affect us in the West End. These include:

• Licensing and trading: Reviewing licensing approaches that could affect the evening and night-time economy and venues. The Westminster City Council Statement of Licensing Policy, which guides licensing decisions in the borough, is due to be reviewed this year.
• Infrastructure and street operations: Approaches to traffic management, street cleansing, and public realm investment, alongside Westminster City Council infrastructure projects.
• Planning and development: Updates to planning policy and supplementary planning guidance. Westminster City Council will also continue developing a new Local Plan, following the election, which could include changes to planning frameworks and area designations.

The Conservative Party manifesto can be found here.

How HOLBA can help:

HOLBA is working to ensure the priorities of West End businesses, and the importance of a thriving, well-managed and safe West End that supports growth, are understood during the election period and by the next Council administration.

Got questions or want to discuss our advocacy work? Email antonia@holba.london for personalised advice.