Reform UK's newly announced candidate for London Mayor has ignited a political row after stating that people now "pity" those who live in the capital, a remark opponents have condemned as "talking down" the city.
A 'New Sheriff' Declares War on Crime
Laila Cunningham, a former senior crown prosecutor and current Reform Westminster city councillor, launched her campaign at a press conference in central London. Standing alongside party leader Nigel Farage, she presented herself as "a new sheriff in town" and promised an "all-out war on crime" if elected in the 2028 mayoral contest.
Cunningham, who defected from the Conservatives last year, spoke of her love for her hometown but delivered a stark assessment. "I love this city with all my heart, but unlike some in this room, I'm not blind to what it's become," she said. "London, one of the greatest cities on Earth, is no longer safe, and that doesn't happen by accident."
She contrasted the city's past and present reputation: "When I was growing up, London was the place to live, the place to work, the place to build a life. People envied us that live here. Now, they pity us."
Statistics and Skepticism: The Crime Debate
The portrayal of London as a crime-ridden metropolis was immediately challenged with reference to official data. According to City Hall figures, the number of murders in the capital in the first nine months of 2025 was the lowest since monthly records began, showing a near 60% drop compared to 2003.
Other key crime categories also saw declines:
- Knife crime fell by 19% between April and June 2025.
- Residential burglaries decreased.
- Personal thefts and robberies were also down.
Farage dismissed these statistics, claiming many people asked to respond to the Crime Survey for England & Wales simply "throw it in the bin." Cunningham, citing her prosecutorial experience, insisted "crime is not down. Crime is up," and called it a "dangerous narrative" to claim London is safe, arguing it disrespects victims.
Political Backlash and Policy Pledges
The reaction from other political parties was swift and critical. A spokesperson for the Labour party in London said Cunningham's announcement "confirms that Reform UK are offering the capital nothing but division and decline." They accused Reform of opposing the multiculturalism and openness that defines London.
Liberal Democrat London spokesperson, MP Luke Taylor, added: "From its history, to its culture, to its people, London is the greatest city in the world, but all Reform seems to do is talk it down."
During the conference, Cunningham outlined her key pledges, which include:
- Rewriting the London police and crime plan with "new marching orders" for the Met to tackle knife crime, drugs, robbery, shoplifting, and rape.
- Scrapping the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (Ulez).
Nigel Farage used the event to attack the current Mayor, Sadiq Khan, claiming an exodus of the wealthy and entrepreneurs to cities like Dubai and Milan had diminished London. "He can't think London today is the greatest city of the world. He is deluded," Farage stated.
While the mayoral election is not until 2028, Farage confirmed Cunningham would be the face of Reform UK across London for the upcoming local elections in May.
