STORY
Reform UK has selected Westminster City councillor Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the next London mayoral election, due to be held in 2028. Party leader Nigel Farage announced the decision at a press conference in the capital, where Cunningham appeared alongside to set out her priorities for the campaign.
Cunningham, who represents Lancaster Gate on Westminster City Council, has previously worked as a prosecutor and joined Reform after leaving the Conservative Party. Reform said she will also play a prominent role in the party’s London-wide local election campaigning this year.
In remarks during the launch, Cunningham focused heavily on public safety, arguing that crime should be tackled more aggressively in the capital and criticising Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan’s record. Farage echoed those themes, presenting Cunningham as a candidate who would prioritise policing and enforcement.
Labour said in a statement:
“Cunningham has made a habit of talking London down, repeatedly portraying our city as broken while opposing the multiculturalism that makes it the best city in the world.”