Leader of Westminster City Council

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Great news that a @metpoliceuk crackdown on phone thefts led to more than 700 arrests last month. Busy areas of Westminster are often a prime target for thieves preying on unsuspecting visitors and shoppers, so we welcome this tough action and look forward to continuing our work with the police to keep our streets safe. https://t.co/EbfHOvznNl

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Myself and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, Cllr Tim Barnes, recently met with the Soho Business Alliance to discuss the future of Soho, exploring opportunities to support growth, investment and a thriving hospitality sector.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

We welcome the restrictions just announced by @metpoliceuk UK on tomorrow's marches. The anniversary of October 7th will be a difficult day for many. The council's job is to make sure our city remains welcoming & that all residents and visitors feel safe
https://t.co/7axrGA4w7m

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

I recently visited the Churchill War Rooms to meet with the Imperial War Museum and discuss ways to further strengthen its connection with the local community, as the council works to bring local history closer to our residents.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

It was great to be part of the @BakerStreetQ panel to discuss the opportunities for the area and share our collective challenges. We’re committed to keeping the area safe, welcoming and vibrant, whilst supporting investment and more opportunities for local people.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Good to visit Church Street recently and hearing directly from residents about their concerns. Listening to local people is vital to ensuring the council delivers the best possible services and the safe streets safe and clean city that residents and visitors want.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

We are aware that three of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford have Westminster addresses. We will provide any help needed to police, and the safety of Westminster residents remains our priority.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

It's illegal to rent out a council property on a short term letting platform - and we're cracking down on it. I joined @CityWestminster housing officers on an estate as we delivered warning letters to people suspected of doing this. Play the system and you could lose your home.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Good piece in @standardnews today by @nicholascecil on my letter to the Sec of State at @DWPgovuk . The more Government departments can share data, the better chance @CityWestminster has of cracking down on short term let fraud & the candy store racket
https://t.co/43ppHDANZV

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Our amazing nightlife is one of the reasons visitors flock to Covent Garden & Soho - so @CityWestminster was pleased to give the final licensing approval to the Blue Note jazz club today. As @standardnews reports, we are all about supporting small venues
https://t.co/z6SqY2DEQx

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

The world famous Blue Note jazz club opens its first venue in Covent Garden tonight - & @CityWestminster gave it the final licensing go ahead today. Join us on an exclusive video preview tour with @VoteTimBarnes !

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Covent Garden's newest venue opens tonight - the Blue Note jazz club in St Martin's Lane. Earlier today @CityWestminster gave it the final licensing go-ahead & deputy leader @VoteTimBarnes had a sneak preview ahead of the curtain going up. We're proud to support small venues.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Government departments like the @DWPgovuk have vast amounts of data that can help us crack down on problems like the abuse of short term lets.
I've written to DWP Sec of State Pat McFadden to ensure his team are talking to the Treasury & others. Let's fight fraud together.

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

One of my first acts as leader of @CityWestminster was to write to the Chancellor urging him to reinstate tax free shopping. As I told @standardnews , it's madness to signpost shoppers to Paris or Barcelona when they could be spending in the West End:
https://t.co/t5C1GF28cj

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

As Yom Kippur begins, on behalf of @CityWestminster I'd like to extend our warmest wishes to everyone in our Jewish communities observing this sacred day.
May you and your loved ones be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life. G'mar Chatimah Tovah ✡️

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Councils need to keep at least half of any overnight levy to spend locally on services for visitors. Problem is @SadiqKhan has no intention of sharing any tourist tax money so Westminster won't benefit. My view to @myldn
https://t.co/O2rAiBE2Cu

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

I talked to @BBCLondonNews about the financial pressures on local authorities after @wandbc announced a large increase in council tax. Government cuts in funding mean @CityWestminster also faces a significant council tax rise. Watch from 5 mins 35 secs
https://t.co/2h2werFw5f

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Our planning lead @VoteTimBarnes is on a panel at @LREF_ this afternoon outlining the @CityWestminster new vision for business & developers. A great example of our plans to drive growth is the new office & leisure development at 105 Victoria St - take a sneak preview here:

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

It's full @citywestminster council tonight - and I'll be talking about our first 100 days in office. Whether it's cleaner streets, seizing dockless bikes or cracking down on illegal short term lets, we're delivering - with much more to come. Tune in at 7pm: https://t.co/cOymRBSdOq

[Leader of Westminster City Council @Leader_WCC]

Marathon man! Congratulations to @CityWestminster cllr @SanAbishev who completed the Richmond marathon at the weekend in aid of @StAndrewsYC . His fleet feet raised more than £3,000 for Westminster's oldest youth club, a great organisation which does so much for our young people.