Changes to Westminster City Council cabinet

From Cllr Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster City Council:

"Cllr Andrew Smith has decided to step back from the Cabinet to focus on his other commitments. I would like to thank Cllr Smith for his service in the Cabinet in recent years. In particular, I am grateful for his work to introduce 20mph schemes across the city and, in recent months, his role in delivering our world-class al fresco dining schemes to help hospitality businesses stay open during a difficult period.

"As a result of Cllr Smith’s decision, the Cabinet will reduce in size to eight and there will also be a minor realignment of other Cabinet Members’ responsibilities.

"Cllr Heather Acton will lead a new communities and regeneration portfolio which brings together our programme to deliver new affordable homes with community engagement, community protection and police liaison. Cllr Acton will also lead Westminster Connects which has been a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents since the start of the pandemic and we now want to harness the energy of our volunteers for the long-term benefit of the city.

"Cllr Matthew Green will combine his existing responsibilities with licensing, ensuring that our major regulatory functions are able to respond agilely to the difficult circumstances many businesses in the city are facing.

"Cllr Melvyn Caplan, who has played an integral part in delivering our hospitality and movement strategy proposals in recent months, will lead our city management services. These new responsibilities also allow for closer alignment with Cllr Caplan’s existing role in driving forward our ambitious plans for Oxford Street.

"Cllr Paul Swaddle takes on the finance and property brief to combine with his current role around smart city, digital and customer services."

The details of the new Cabinet can be found online at www.westminster.gov.uk/cabinet.