The Westminster cemeteries scandal was a British political scandal which began in January 1987 when Westminster City Council (WCC) sold three cemeteries, three lodges, one flat, a crematorium and over 12 acres of prime development land in London for a total of 85 pence. The three cemeteries - Hanwell Cemetery (formerly City of Westminster Cemetery), East Finchley Cemetery (formerly St. Marylebone Cemetery) and Mill Hill Cemetery (formerly Paddington New Cemetery) - were sold for 5 pence each. Shortly before the sale was finalised, one building had been withdrawn from the lot - because the council had failed to secure the eviction of a cemetery keeper - so WCC also paid the purchaser £70,000 compensation.