With Labour in control, Angela Rayner backs Sadiq Khan’s revived plan to transform Oxford Street.
Oxford Street — one of the world’s most iconic shopping destinations — could soon be traffic-free, as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner throws her full support behind Mayor Sadiq Khan’s revived plan to pedestrianise the bustling West End thoroughfare.
Speaking as the Labour-led government gears up to transform Britain’s high streets, Rayner, who also serves as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, described the proposal as “bold” and “ambitious”, vowing to help deliver it “as quickly as possible”.
Khan’s previous attempt to pedestrianise Oxford Street was thwarted in 2018 when Westminster City Council, then under Conservative control, blocked the scheme amid local resistance. But political fortunes have shifted. Labour now holds power both at Westminster Council and in central government, clearing the path for a fresh push to ban cars and buses from a stretch of road stretching 0.7 miles between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch.
Embed from Getty Images“This is about breathing new life into Oxford Street,” Rayner said. “We want it to be a thriving place for tourists and Londoners alike. These plans will drive investment, create jobs for local people and deliver a huge economic boost to the capital.”
The mayor’s office confirmed it intends to set up a mayoral development corporation to oversee the transformation, aiming to launch by 1 January 2026. Plans could also extend beyond the initial stretch, with the potential for future pedestrianisation as far as Tottenham Court Road.
Sir Sadiq Khan hailed the news as a breakthrough for London’s economic recovery. “Oxford Street has suffered over many years,” he said. “Urgent action is needed to give our nation’s high street a new lease of life. It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses support these exciting plans.”
His remarks followed a public consultation that garnered over 6,500 responses. The mayor’s team says 66% backed the scheme, while a separate YouGov survey last September showed 63% of Londoners in favour.
Major retailers have lined up to support the initiative, including Ikea, Selfridges and John Lewis. The London Chamber of Commerce has also endorsed the plan, seeing it as a driver for footfall, investment and international appeal.
Concept images released by the Greater London Authority depict a tree-lined avenue buzzing with outdoor dining, live events, and safe, accessible pedestrian walkways. The transformation promises to turn Oxford Street into a “world-class destination” for shopping, leisure and tourism.
Rayner’s backing gives Khan the political muscle he lacked in his earlier attempt. With fewer bureaucratic obstacles and an aligned Labour government, the mayor is expected to push forward at speed. Detailed traffic proposals — including how to reroute buses and taxis — will be revealed later this year.
While the scheme has drawn some criticism from those concerned about congestion spillover and accessibility for elderly or disabled visitors, its supporters argue that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
“This isn’t just a beautification project,” said a spokesperson for the mayor. “It’s about creating jobs, attracting global investment, and cementing London’s reputation as a modern, forward-looking capital.”
For Khan, whose tenure has been defined by battles over transport, pollution and public realm design, pedestrianising Oxford Street would be a signature achievement. And for Rayner, it’s another opportunity to show Labour delivering bold urban renewal after years of stagnation.
If all goes to plan, vehicles will vanish from central Oxford Street within 18 months — ushering in a new era for the high street once dubbed “the nation’s shop window
