The Daily T

Reform’s 'vigilante mum' on winning lawless London, infidelity and banning the burka

Jan 8, 2026
Leila Cunningham, a criminal prosecutor and mother of seven, is the new Reform Party candidate for London Mayor. She shares her fierce approach towards crime, recounting her experiences chasing down muggers and her frustrations with police priorities. Leila advocates for banning face coverings and tougher consequences for low-level crime while emphasizing the need for a unified British identity. She also reflects on her Muslim faith, addressing online attacks and radical Islam concerns, all while critiquing ULEZ and its impact on ordinary Londoners.
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ANECDOTE

Chasing Her Child's Mugger

  • Leila Cunningham chased a mugger who stole from her child and trapped him near a McDonald's basement while calling police.
  • She says police told her they lacked resources and even asked if she'd speak to the mother of a stabbing victim instead.
INSIGHT

Deployment Over Pure Recruitment

  • Cunningham argues the Met has enough officers but the problem is deployment and priorities rather than pure recruitment shortfall.
  • She wants specialist forces focused on street crime instead of prioritising certain non-crime duties.
ANECDOTE

Her Personal Take On Islam

  • Cunningham says Islam is a spiritual guide for her and rejects extreme interpretations like Wahhabism.
  • She rejects strict dress rules as required by the Quran and distances herself from Islamist labels thrown at her online.
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