Reform UK Unveils Laila Cunningham as 2028 London Mayoral Candidate
Reform UK has announced that Laila Cunningham will be its candidate for London Mayor in the 2028 election, as part of the party’s growing campaign in the capital. The news was revealed by Reform leader Nigel Farage at a press conference in London on January 7, 2026. ITVX+1
Who Laila Cunningham Is
Ms Cunningham is a Westminster City councillor who previously belonged to the Conservative Party before joining Reform UK. She also worked as a prosecutor before entering politics. Bloomberg
At the launch, she positioned herself as a tough-on-crime candidate, sharply criticising London’s current leadership and promising major changes if elected mayor. ITVX
Her Campaign Focus
Cunningham vowed to make crime reduction her top priority, saying her team would push the Metropolitan Police to focus on serious crimes like knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting and rape. She described her approach as an “all-out war on crime.” ITVX
She also criticised the current Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, saying London is no longer safe and promising a fresh start in the city if she wins. The Standard
Policy Positions
In addition to crime, Cunningham has been vocal about scrapping the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), arguing the policy unfairly targets motorists and makes life more expensive for working Londoners. GB News
Ahead of 2026 Local Elections
Nigel Farage said Cunningham will also play a key role in Reform UK’s strategy for the May 7, 2026 local elections, which he described as an important test for the party ahead of national polls. ITVX
Why This Matters
London has traditionally been a strong area for the Labour Party under Sadiq Khan. Reform UK’s announcement signals the party’s ambition to challenge Labour’s dominance in the capital by focusing on issues like crime, transport costs and public safety — key concerns for many voters. Yahoo News UK
As the 2026 local elections and the 2028 mayoral race approach, Laila Cunningham’s candidacy will be one to watch in London politics, especially as public debates over safety and city leadership continue. City AM