Laila Cunningham warns Londoners about the dangers of re-electing London Mayor for a fourth term
Sadiq Khan is facing a strong challenge from Reform UK for the London mayoralty (Image: Getty)
Sir Sadiq Khan could face a nail-biting race to cling on to his job as London Mayor, with Reform UK claiming it is close behind in the polls.
The Labour politician is expected to stand for a fourth term after romping to a comfortable victory against the Tories‘ Susan Hall in 2024.
A poll by Savanta for Queen Mary University, London put Labour on 33% for the next contest for London mayor.
Reform is in second place on 20%, followed by the Conservatives on 18%, the Green Party 14% and Liberal Democrats 10%.
Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s candidate for the 2028 race, said: “By 2028, the choice will be simple: Khan or Cunningham.
“Four more years of Sadiq Khan means more of what Londoners have already had for 12 years: rising crime, less visible policing, more taxes and charges, and a City Hall that tells Londoners what is good for them instead of listening to them.”
She pledged a different approach focusing on “safer streets, more police where people can actually see them”.
Mrs Cunningham, who moved from the Conservative Party to Reform after the last General Election, added that she would focus on “lower costs for drivers and businesses” and “homes that Londoners can afford”.
She concluded: “That is the choice in 2028: four more years of Khan’s London, or a London that works for Londoners.”
But her Conservative foes branded the comments “bluster”, pointing to the party’s underperformance at the May local elections.
Reform insiders had expected to take control of multiple councils in the capital in that set of polls, but fell short and only nabbed the reins of one.
A Conservative City Hall spokesman said: “Reform managed just 13% in the London locals and failed to meet expectations. If a named Reform mayoral candidate is only able to poll 2% ahead of an unnamed Tory candidate, we would suggest she’s going to need a little bit more than creative polling to stop her coming fourth in May 2028.
“Still, we wish her continued success, if this is the sort she’s going to be getting.”
Sir Sadiq has been approached for comment.