Reform UK has taken an early step in the political race by announcing Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election. The announcement was made at a press conference in central London, where Cunningham, a Westminster City Councillor and former senior crown prosecutor, stood alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The event was marked by banners proclaiming "London needs Reform."

Cunningham, who defected from the Conservative Party last year, has positioned herself as a staunch critic of current Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan. She promised to launch "an all-out war on crime" and criticized the current state of the capital, stating, "London, one of the greatest cities on Earth, is no longer safe." Her campaign will focus on rewriting the London police and crime plan, with priorities including tackling knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting, and rape. Additionally, she pledged to abolish the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) if elected.

The announcement has sparked a heated response from political opponents. The Labour Party accused Reform UK of promoting division and undermining London's multicultural values. A Labour spokesperson stated, "London represents everything Reform UK opposes: multiculturalism, openness, and confidence in our shared future." Liberal Democrat spokesperson Luke Taylor echoed these sentiments, criticizing Cunningham and Farage for "talking down" the city.

Despite Cunningham's portrayal of London as a crime-ridden metropolis, recent statistics indicate a decline in crime rates. The number of murders in London has reached its lowest since records began, and knife crime has dropped by 19% between April and June 2025.

Nigel Farage emphasized the importance of the upcoming local elections, describing them as the "single most significant" electoral test ahead of the next general election. He praised Cunningham as "articulate, passionate, and a mother," and expressed confidence in her ability to lead Reform UK's campaign across London.