The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square has been an annual gift to London from the people of Norway since 1947, in recognition of Britain’s support during the Second World War. As Lord Mayor of Westminster, Sarah was invited by the Mayor of Oslo to cut down the tree in readiness for its transportation to the UK.
Public service
As well as being a three-time Conservative parliamentary candidate, Sarah represented a diverse and vibrant community during her 12 years as a Westminster City Councillor.
Sarah fought for and delivered better schools and better life chances for some of Westminster’s most vulnerable residents, overseeing the schools building programme and delivering new academies and a significant rise in educational attainment. She implemented the pioneering Family Recovery Programme which influenced national policy towards troubled families. Sarah also delivered an extensive refurbishment programme of library and sports facilities, creating more active communities.
As Chairman of Scrutiny for Adult Health and Social Care, Sarah led the council’s high profile, award-winning investigation into Imperial College Healthcare Trust and its lost cancer patient referrals. She was twice recognised by The Municipal Journal as ‘a rising star under 40’.
During her final year as a councillor, Sarah was privileged to be elected Lord Mayor of Westminster - the youngest woman ever to hold the role. As the city’s ‘First Citizen’, she represented 250,000 people locally, nationally and internationally, engaging with charities, the diplomatic corps, the armed forces, Westminster’s faith communities and businesses. She also served as Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Cabinet Member for Leisure & Lifelong Learning
Chair, Westminster Scrutiny Commission
Chair, Adult Health and Social Care
Lord Mayor of Westminster
Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey
Municipal Journal, ‘40 under 40’