International Desk
Jan 14, 2026: Reform UK has formally announced Westminster City Councillor Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election, marking an early start to the party’s campaign in the capital.
Cunningham, who joined Reform UK after leaving the Conservative Party last year, appeared alongside party leader Nigel Farage at a press briefing where the party unveiled its London strategy. Addressing the media, she positioned herself as an alternative to current Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, saying she intended to deliver a markedly different approach to city governance.
Focusing heavily on public safety, Cunningham pledged a strong crackdown on crime if elected. She said her priorities would include tackling knife crime, drug-related offences, robbery, shoplifting and sexual violence. She also indicated plans to overhaul London’s police and crime framework, promising firm directives aimed at addressing what she described as everyday crime affecting residents.
The Reform UK candidate also stated that she would move to scrap the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), arguing that current transport and environmental policies were placing unfair pressure on Londoners.
Although the mayoral election is still more than two years away, Farage said Cunningham would act as the public face of Reform UK’s London campaign ahead of the local elections scheduled for May this year. He described the coming local polls as a major test of the party’s appeal in the capital ahead of the next general election.
Labour figures responded critically to the announcement, accusing Reform UK of promoting division rather than offering solutions. A party spokesperson said London’s strength lay in its diversity and openness, adding that portraying the city as failing did not reflect the lived reality of most Londoners.
Representatives close to Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said he remained focused on delivering policies aimed at improving safety, fairness and environmental sustainability across the city.
The Liberal Democrats also criticised Reform UK’s rhetoric, arguing that the party focused more on political confrontation than constructive problem-solving. A London party spokesperson said the Liberal Democrats would continue to defend the city’s values and work to improve quality of life for residents.
Political observers note that announcing a mayoral candidate so far in advance is unusual, particularly given uncertainty over whether Sir Sadiq Khan will seek another term. However, the early move is seen as an attempt by Reform UK to build recognition and momentum ahead of the upcoming local elections.
Currently, Reform UK has limited representation in London councils, largely through defections rather than direct electoral wins. Despite this, analysts believe the party may perform more strongly in parts of outer London, where local elections will provide an early indication of its growing influence.
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