A Labour council’s plan has allegedly led to eviction notices being served on dozens of private tenants.
Private tenants living opposite exclusive Kew Gardens in Richmond, west London, have been served Section 21 eviction notices by their landlord, the property investment company Dorrington.
The evictions will allow Dorrington to sell the homes to Labour-led Westminster council, which wants to use them for temporary accommodation.
Councillor Paul Swaddle, leader of the Conservative opposition at Westminster, tells the Harrow Online news website: “There is no justification for throwing people, including elderly and vulnerable residents, out of their homes at two months’ notice.
“These are residents who may have limited mobility and limited ability to simply uproot and start again.
“Labour in Westminster, Sadiq Khan and the Labour Government all campaign loudly against no fault evictions.
“To apparently facilitate exactly this for some of Westminster’s most vulnerable residents is an act of staggering hypocrisy.”
Westminster council is reported as saying the property is to be sold as vacant and that Dorrington is responsible for issuing the eviction notices.
A council spokesperson tells Harrow Online: “I can confirm that Westminster City Council is in the process of acquiring Garden Court for use as temporary accommodation.
“This is in line with our policy of sourcing accommodation across London to house people on our waiting lists.
A spokesperson for Dorrington adds: “We were able to give residents notice in February 2025 of our intention to sell Garden Court and the majority have already found new homes in the year since then.
“Where residents have found the move less straightforward, we are providing support and flexibility and will continue to do so.
“Where residents have protections through their tenancies they will have the opportunity to continue living at Garden Court under its new ownership.”
Richmond council says it is “demanding discussions” with Westminster council as a “matter of urgency”.
A spokesperson for Richmond adds: “Reports that residents at Garden Court have been issued Section 21 notices by the current landlord have come as a real shock to the community.”
