Rachael Robathan new leader of Westminster council

By Owen Sheppard, Local Democracy Correspondent

Conservative councillors in Westminster have selected Lady Rachael Robathan to become the new leader of the council.

On Wednesday she was chosen by councillors from the borough’s majority Tory group to become their new leader. The selection means she has all but secured the job of council leader.

Lady Robathan will officially take office after a full council meeting next Wednesday, when a vote will be held between all the borough’s councillors at Marylebone Town Hall.

Her colleague, councillor Jonathan Glanz, this morning wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to Rachael Robathan on being elected as Leader of the Conservative Group @CityWestminster. Looking forward to working with you to provide the best, most efficient and cost-effective services to all our residents and businesses.”

Lady Robathan will replace Nickie Aiken, who ran the council for two years, and was elected as the new MP for Cities of London and Westminster at last month’s general election.

Her current role at the council is cabinet member for finance, property and regeneration, and she represents Knightsbridge and Belgravia ward.

According to her register of interests on Westminster council’s website, she is a member of the Big Lottery Fund’s UK board, and previously held an unpaid role as an advisor to Metro Bank.

Last month she was also appointed to the board of Aurora Investment Trust Plc.

Aged 57, she lives near Horseferry Road and is married to Lord Andrew Robathan, a former minister who stood down as a Conservative MP in 2014.

Councillor Rachael Robathan, left, with Nickie Aiken MP (Picture: Westminster council)