{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68da5c15730cf5a74760f268/6a918ffd0911a561971b7d8c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Westminster Council Leader on the Oxford Street Plan & Spending Challenges","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Political Business</em>, Nathan sits down on the 17th floor of City Hall with Councillor Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster City Council.</p><p><br></p><p>Paul reflects on his journey in Conservative Party politics—from joining during the 1997 general election defeat to serving on the party board and earning an OBE. </p><p><br></p><p>Now over 100 days into his leadership, he addresses the massive challenges facing Westminster, including a £160M budget gap driven by government funding cuts, proposed council tax increases of 75% to 100%, and the crackdown on dockless bikes.</p><p><br></p><p>He also sets the record straight on the recent \"vertical drinking\" media storm, outlines his stance against Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street Development Corporation, and explains his vision for bringing a fast-paced, private-sector ethos to local government.</p>","author_name":"Lowick Hedry "}