Reform UK has selected Muslim former lawyer Laila Cunningham as its candidate, and she will contest the London mayoral race, marking a notable political move for the party nationwide attention.
Reform UK picks Muslim ex-lawyer Laila Cunningham, and she will run for London mayor
The anti-immigration Reform UK party has unveiled Muslim entrepreneur and former lawyer Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election, a move that has already sparked political debate across the capital.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who confirmed that Cunningham will represent the party in its attempt to challenge Labour’s long-standing hold on City Hall. The mayoral position has been occupied since 2016 by Sadiq Khan, a Labour politician and the first Muslim to serve as mayor of London. Khan has yet to say whether he plans to stand for a fourth term.
Farage described Cunningham as a strong and credible contender, praising her communication skills, passion for public service, and background as a working mother. He said she would spearhead Reform UK’s push to make significant gains in London’s local and mayoral elections, which the party views as a crucial test of its growing national profile.
Reform UK, known for its hardline stance on immigration and criticism of multicultural policies, has historically struggled to gain traction in London, one of Europe’s most diverse cities. While the party has seen rising support in other parts of England, analysts note that winning over voters in the capital may prove particularly challenging due to its size, diversity, and political leanings.
Cunningham, 48, was born in London to parents of Egyptian origin who immigrated to the United Kingdom during the 1960s. She has frequently spoken about her pride in the city, calling it “the greatest city in the world,” while also arguing that it has changed in ways she believes are deeply troubling.
“I love London,” she said during her public remarks. “But I am not blind to what it has become.” She added that her campaign would focus on restoring order, safety, and accountability at City Hall, declaring that there would be a “new sheriff in town” if she were elected.
Before entering politics, Cunningham worked as a lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), where she handled criminal cases on behalf of the state. However, she stepped down from the role last year after making public comments that were deemed too politically partisan for a CPS employee. Since then, she has positioned herself as an outspoken critic of London’s current leadership.
Cunningham is currently Reform UK’s first and only local councillor in London. She was elected in 2022 in Westminster as a Conservative councillor but later defected to Reform, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the Conservative Party. Her switch was welcomed by Reform leaders, who see her as a high-profile figure capable of broadening the party’s appeal.
Farage emphasized that Cunningham’s background challenges common stereotypes about Reform UK, arguing that her candidacy demonstrates the party’s commitment to what he called “British values” rather than identity politics. He said her personal story resonated with voters who feel disconnected from what he described as an out-of-touch political elite.
During a press conference, Cunningham outlined what she described as her top priority: tackling crime in the capital. She claimed that London has become increasingly unsafe, particularly for women, and accused Mayor Khan of failing to address lawlessness, anti-social behaviour, and policing shortages.
“London is no longer safe,” she said, pointing to rising concerns about violent crime and street harassment. She argued that current policies have weakened law enforcement and failed to protect ordinary residents.
Immigration and cultural integration are also expected to feature prominently in her campaign. Cunningham stated that newcomers to the capital should adapt to British customs and values, rather than expecting the city to change to accommodate them.
“People who come to London must embrace British culture,” she said. “You don’t come here expecting London to change for you.”
These remarks echo Reform UK’s broader platform, which calls for stricter immigration controls and greater emphasis on national identity. The party has frequently criticized Khan for celebrating London’s diversity, accusing him of prioritizing multicultural symbolism over public safety and cohesion.
Khan, who has been a frequent target of far-right criticism during his tenure, has defended his record by highlighting investments in transport, housing, and community programs. He has also consistently rejected claims that London is in decline, instead promoting the city as an open and inclusive global hub.
Whether Cunningham can overcome Reform UK’s limited support in the capital remains uncertain. However, her candidacy marks a notable moment for the party, as it seeks to position itself as a serious challenger in one of the UK’s most politically influential cities.As the 2028 mayoral race slowly begins to take shape, Cunningham’s selection signals that Reform UK intends to run a high-profile and confrontational campaign, centered on crime, culture, and leadership. The coming years will reveal whether that message can resonate with London’s diverse electorate or remain confined to the party’s traditional base.
