‘Tireless’ Westminster ward councillor decides to call it a day
By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter
Westminster City council’s Paul Dimoldenberg has announced he is standing down as a cabinet member and will not be contesting his seat at the next local elections in May 2026.
Cllr Dimoldenberg will be replaced by Councillor Max Sullivan as cabinet member for city management. The decision comes ahead of Cllr Dimoldenberg’s retirement next year.
He said he will continue in his role as a ward councillor for Hyde Park until the local elections. Council leader Adam Hug kicked off tributes by thanking Cllr Dimoldenberg for his service and calling him a “tireless” champion for residents in Hyde Park ward and across Westminster.
He said: “While we wish him well for his upcoming retirement, I’m certain Paul will remain a very active member of his community.”
He added: “I’m also pleased to welcome Max to the cabinet, where he will take on the role of cabinet member for streets with responsibility for public realm, city inspectors, highways, transport and parking, street cleansing and waste.
“I know he will bring hard work and dedication to the job and, as a keen supporter of cycling and active travel, continue Paul’s commitment to clean streets and green transport”.
Other sections of the councillor’s former portfolio will be split between councillors Aicha Less – who will take over the mayoralty – and Geoff Barraclough, who will assume responsibility for flooding. Cllr Hug will take over communications, faith exchange and parliamentary estate.
Having first been elected to the council in 1982 for Harrow Road Ward, Cllr Dimoldenberg has also served as a councillor in Queens Park from 1997 to 2022, as well as Leader of the Opposition group between 1987 – 1990 and again between 2004-2015.
Cllr Dimoldenberg said: “I have really enjoyed my time. It was totally unexpected in May 2022 but I have really enjoyed getting to grips with important day-to-day issues.”
Pictured top: Westminster City councillor Paul Dimoldenberg (Picture: WCC)