Nigel Farage launches bid to ‘get rid of Sadiq Khan’ as Reform UK unveils candidate to target Labour’s London

Speaking at a press conference in Westminster, the Reform UK leader said: "Laila Cunningham has already proven in her time with us as party to be passionate, articulate, a mother, someone who herself has effectively in the absence of the police had to act as a police officer herself in defence of children.

"And she from this moment on will be the head of Reform UK London, our candidate for the mayor next year but the face of our campaign as we fight a strong, vigorous campaign in all 32 London boroughs in the run up to May 7."

Mr Farage believes Reform UK has a golden opportunity to position itself for power on May 7, with the Clacton MP claiming the victor will be “in a very strong position to win the next General Election”.

Mrs Cunningham, a former CPS lawyer, has long been considered a rising star of Reform UK after defecting from the Tories in June 2025.

After sharing an embrace with Mr Farage, the mother-of-seven told reporters: “London is my home.

"It made me who I am. I was born and raised here, discovered my passion for basketball here, on the courts from Croydon to Brixton to Newham.

"I played in the London Youth Games, some of the best times of my life and that’s where I learnt the importance of team spirit."

She added: “I love this city with all my heart but unlike some in this room I’m not blind to what it’s become.

"London, one of the greatest cities on earth, is no longer safe and that didn’t happen by accident, that happened on Sadiq Khan’s watch.

"Knife crime in London is up 68 per cent since 2016, robbery is up by more than 50 per cent during that same time period.

"More than 100 phones are stolen every single year and that’s just those we know about.

“We are living through a rape epidemic. You see, crime for me is not theoretical unlike some of the journalists who say I’m scaremongering.

"In fact, one time my kids were targeted by gangs in balaclavas who people say don’t exist, day after day, in broad daylight. We were all terrified."

Reform UK is targeting at least borough councils across the capital on May 7, including Bromley, Bexley, Havering and Barking & Dagenham.

The push comes as opinion polls suggest Labour's grip on London is loosening.

Sir Sadiq was returned for a third term at City Hall in 2024 after receiving 44 per cent of the vote.

However, a new London poll suggests Labour's support has fallen to just 31 per cent.

Meanwhile, Reform UK's support has soared from just 3.1 per cent to 19 per cent.

Sir Sadiq last year confirmed his intention to run for a fourth term, dismissing rumours he was looking to return to the House of Commons.

During today's London launch, Mrs Cunningham swiped at the London Mayor over Ulez, crime and transport.

She also took aim at Sir Sadiq over his attacks against his critics, vowing to leave no stone unturned in uncovering London's rape gangs scandal.

Speaking to GB News after the press conference, Mrs Cunningham added: “I said that London is the greatest city in the world, but that's with a caveat that it is not safe.

“And as I said, crime is corrosive. It eats at our high streets, it eats at public safety, eats at our international recognition. London's been let down by a Labour leadership.”