Westminster alumnus Paul Dimoldenberg announced as new Lord Mayor of Westminster

Since graduating from the University of Westminster, then named the Polytechnic of Central London, with a Diploma in Social and Environmental Planning, Councillor Dimonldenberg has taken on multiple public service roles. 

He was first elected to Westminster City Council to represent Harrow Road Ward from 1982 to 1990 and was later elected to represent Queen’s Park Ward from 1997 to 2022. From 2022 to 2025, he was Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality, having previously been the Opposition’s City Management spokesperson. He was also the Leader of the Opposition from 1987-1990 and from 2004-2015, and has served on a wide range of committees, including as Chair of the Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Finally, in May 2022 he began representing Hyde Park Ward.

During his term, he plans to be “the walking Lord Mayor” by establishing a programme of walks promoting environmental and personal wellbeing and encouraging residents to explore and learn more about their local area.

Speaking at the Mayor Making event held at Marylebone Town Hall, he said: “It is a huge honour and a privilege to serve as Lord Mayor; the culmination of my political career. We are lucky that so many different communities call Westminster their home and it will be a privilege to represent them all as their First Citizen. I hope during my time as Lord Mayor I can meet as many people and communities as possible in all parts of Westminster.”

He has chosen two charities to support throughout the year. These are the Avenues Youth Project, a youth centre in Queens Park, and Hotel School, who provide training in the hospitality industry to those who have experienced homelessness.

About these charities he said: “I chose the Avenues Youth Project as one of my charities as I have known the organisation for over 25 years and am a strong supporter of the great work they do with young people in North Paddington.

“Hotel School is my other charity choice. I heard the Founder, Jeremy Goring, give an inspirational talk about the practical ways in which Hotel School helps homeless and other vulnerable people learn the skills to build a career in the hospitality industry.”

An avid historian, the new Lord Mayor has written five books on British and local Westminster political history. Born in Manchester, he moved to Westminster in 1973 and has been involved in Westminster politics ever since. He lives in Marylebone with his wife Linda and has two daughters, Zoe and Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia.

Whilst serving as a Cabinet Member, Councillor Dimoldenberg’s work and planned initiatives directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. 

Find out more about the Alumni and Supporters network at the University of Westminster.