Tory defects to Reform UK on flagship London council as Nigel Farage eyes political gains across the capital

A Tory councillor in a flagship London borough is defecting to Reform UK as Nigel Farage eyes making inroads across London politics, The Standard can reveal.

Councillor Laila Cunningham, who represents Lancaster Gate on Westminster City Council, said she is quitting the Conservatives as she is “tired of defending failure”.