Reform UK Declares War on London Crime

Reform UK has launched a direct assault on Sadiq Khan’s leadership, naming former prosecutor Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election. The move signals an aggressive, tough-on-crime campaign that promises an “all-out war on crime” and the immediate scrapping of the controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) tax. With this announcement, Reform UK positions itself as the true alternative to the Labour incumbent, challenging the capital’s political landscape well ahead of the 2026 local elections.

Story Highlights

Nigel Farage names Westminster councillor Laila Cunningham, a former prosecutor and mother of seven, as Reform UK’s 2028 London mayoral pick to combat rising crime.
Cunningham vows to rewrite Met Police priorities targeting knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting, rape, and “rape gangs,” while scrapping the hated Ulez tax on drivers.
Announcement frames May 2026 local elections as a referendum on Khan’s tenure amid a “crime wave by foreign gangs,” positioning Reform as the true alternative to Labour failures.
Cunningham’s defection from Conservatives highlights Reform’s rise, appealing to frustrated right-wing voters tired of weak leadership on public safety and overreach.

Announcement Details

On January 7, 2026, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage held a London press conference to announce Laila Cunningham as the party’s candidate for the 2028 mayoral election. Cunningham, Westminster City councillor for Lancaster Gate ward, pledged an “all-out war on crime.” She criticized Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan’s record, promising to overhaul the Metropolitan Police’s crime plan. Priorities include knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting, rape, and prosecuting “rape gangs.” The event featured “London needs Reform” banners and drew significant media attention.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has described the Ulez scheme as “an absolute disgrace.” He was speaking at an event launching Laila Cunningham as the party's candidate for London mayor in 2028, and backed her pledge to scrap Ulez. pic.twitter.com/HMAtsQ6Jyq

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) January 7, 2026

Cunningham’s Background and Pledges

Laila Cunningham defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK in June 2025, becoming the first Reform representative on a London borough council. A former senior Crown prosecutor, mother of seven children, and ex-basketball player, she emphasized personal stakes in making London safe again. Cunningham called herself the “new sheriff in town” and committed to scrapping the Ultra Low Emission Zone, a policy fueling motorist backlash since its 2023 expansion. She aims to give the Met Police “new marching orders,” shifting focus from recruitment to hunting criminals.

Farage’s Critique of Khan and Reform’s Strategy

Nigel Farage described London as in the “grip of a crime wave run by foreign criminal gangs,” calling for Khan’s removal to restore the city’s reputation. He praised Cunningham as articulate and passionate, with experience defending children without police support. Reform positions the May 7, 2026 local elections as a pivotal test and “first step” toward the 2028 mayoral race. This move challenges Labour’s dominance in the capital, a Labour stronghold, while exposing Conservative weaknesses through Cunningham’s defection.

A source close to Khan defended his record, citing record-low homicides, 100 million free school meals, and a 27% air pollution cut. Conservatives dismissed Reform as a non-threat. Cunningham remained ambiguous on the congestion charge, stating voters would “wait and find out.” The live-streamed press conference garnered 17,000 views, energizing Reform’s base.

Implications for Londoners and UK Politics

Reform UK’s push targets families, knife crime victims, robbery targets, and motorists burdened by Ulez, resonating with communities frustrated by rising crime under Khan post his 2024 landslide re-election. Short-term, it pressures Khan ahead of 2026 locals and could split the right-wing vote. Long-term, success might mainstream Reform in London, testing its urban appeal amid ongoing grooming gang scandals and net zero policy critiques. Policing shifts and Ulez removal promise relief but risk pollution debates. Farage eyes national momentum, mirroring conservative wins on law and order elsewhere.

Watch the report: Nigel Farage reveals Laila Cunningham as Reform UK’s London mayoral candidate