Laila Cunningham Mayor campaign has officially launched. As the Reform UK candidate for London’s 2028 mayoral election, she promises a manifesto shaped “by Londoners, for Londoners.” According to Cunningham, the capital has suffered neglect under Sir Sadiq Khan for the last decade. She said she will tour the city to hear residents’ priorities. Over the next two years, she plans to visit boroughs, council estates, and high streets to understand what Londoners want from their mayor.
Cunningham emphasised that candidates and parties must earn public support rather than rely on voter loyalty. She framed the 2028 mayoral contest as a race between Reform UK and Labour. Furthermore, she argued her manifesto will focus on residents’ needs, not ideology. Cunningham criticised Khan for deprioritising public safety. Many Londoners, she claimed, feel unsafe on the streets and oppose schemes like the ULEZ expansion.
She also vowed to unite the city beyond identity politics. Cunningham highlighted that she is Muslim, Arabic, and a woman, but above all, she identifies as a Londoner. “We all share the same streets, the same trains, and face similar challenges,” she said. Moreover, she praised Assembly members Alex Wilson and Keith Prince, who hold Khan accountable in City Hall. Although she admitted to lacking direct City Hall experience, Cunningham insisted this would not stop her from seeking the top job.
The candidate pledged to address key issues, including rail strikes, ending the “war on motorists,” and prioritising social housing for British nationals. However, she has faced criticism for her local government record. Former Westminster Conservative leader Paul Swaddle accused her of missing meetings and disengaging from her role. In response, a Reform UK spokesperson dismissed the claims as a targeted smear campaign and emphasised Cunningham’s dedication to her constituents.
Recent polling indicates Reform UK currently stands second in London, with 19 percent support, 12 points behind Labour. Khan, seeking a fourth term, downplayed the challenge and said he is focused on delivering a safer, greener, and healthier city. As a result, the Laila Cunningham Mayor campaign positions itself as a practical and unifying alternative. With a manifesto guided by Londoners’ voices, she aims to restore trust and effectiveness in the capital’s leadership.
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