Reform UK has declared that Laila Cunningham, a member of the Westminster City Council, will be the party’s candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election.

Cunningham, alongside party leader Nigel Farage, made this announcement at a press conference adorned with banners proclaiming: “London needs Reform.”

Having switched from the Conservative Party last year, Cunningham criticized Labour’s Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, expressing that she has a “distinct message” for the residents of London.

“I’m here to announce that a new sheriff will arrive, and I am prepared to wage a comprehensive battle against crime,” she stated. In reply, Labour accused Reform of presenting “nothing but division and decline” to the capital.

With the next mayoral election not scheduled until 2028, Farage indicated that Cunningham would also spearhead the party’s campaign for the upcoming local elections this May.

He described this local election as the “most crucial” electoral challenge before the next general election.

During the press conference, Cunningham outlined her key priorities for the Metropolitan Police, which include addressing issues like knife crime, drug offenses, theft, shoplifting, and sexual assault.

She remarked that she would overhaul the policing and crime strategy in London, providing the Met with “new directives” to “confront the crimes that truly impact communities.”

Cunningham also pledged to abolish the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) if she gains control over London.

In response to this announcement, the Labour Party in London asserted, “London embodies everything that Reform UK stands against: multiculturalism, transparency, and hope for our collective future.”

They contended that Cunningham’s candidacy “reinforces the notion that Reform UK brings only division and decline to the capital.”

A spokesperson added, “Cunningham consistently undermines London, portraying our city as broken while resisting the multiculturalism that makes it the finest city on the globe.”

A representative close to Mayor Khan stated that he is “focused on the task of creating a fairer, safer, and greener London for all residents.”

Liberal Democrat London spokesperson, MP Luke Taylor, remarked, “From its rich history and diverse culture to its vibrant populace, London is the greatest city in the world, yet all Reform seems to do is demean it.”

“Cunningham and Farage are more interested in fostering division than in addressing the real challenges faced by Londoners. The Liberal Democrats will advocate for the millions of Londoners who cherish this city and its principles and strive to make London a better place for everyone.”

Analysis by Karl Mercer, BBC London’s political editor

Reform has opted for an early announcement of their candidate for an election that is still two and a half years away.

They are marketing the 2028 race as “Khan versus Cunningham,” yet it remains uncertain whether Sir Sadiq will seek a fourth term.

Nonetheless, they have highlighted crime as the primary issue at stake.

Selecting a candidate this early is atypical; if a week is a long time in politics, then two and a half years stretches into an eternity.

Much can transform during this period for all parties involved, but this decision does provide Reform with a prominent figure to lead their campaign in the May local elections, which will be vital in assessing the reception of their message in the capital.

To date, the party has successfully elected only one councillor in London, with six others, including Laila Cunningham, having switched to them—out of approximately 1,800 councillors in the region.

However, many analysts believe that this time they genuinely have a chance to gain control of one or more boroughs in outer London.