Westminster to elect first ever Labour lord mayor

Council leader Nickie Aiken (Con) said “it’s important the lord mayor represents all of Westminster’s residents as part of our commitment to build a city for all”

Westminster City Council is to elect its first ever Labour lord mayor since the role was created on the council more than 50 years ago.

The ruling Conservative group has agreed it will not put forward a candidate to stand against Labour’s Ruth Bush ahead of the annual meeting in May. Cllr Bush, who represents Harrow Road Ward, was first elected on to Westminster City Council in 2005.

Council leader Nickie Aiken (Con) said: “I recognise that the mayoralty is a civic not a political role, so I feel it’s important the lord mayor represents all of Westminster’s residents as part of our commitment to build a city for all. That’s why the Conservative group has taken this historic decision not to put forward a candidate for the next lord mayor and work across the two political parties to further modernise the mayoralty in Westminster.

“Ruth is a dedicated local councillor for her residents and an asset to Westminster – she’s perfect to take on this important role.”

Labour group leader Adam Hug “warmly” welcomed the decision.

“By taking the role out of partisan politics, now and in the future, we can help ensure that the lord mayor becomes a unifying position representing all our communities in Westminster,” he said.

Westminster has had a lord mayor since the current council was created in 1965.