Reform's London Mayoral Hopeful Co-Owns Troubled 'Squat Hotel'
Laila Cunningham, the Reform UK candidate for London Mayor, is facing intense scrutiny after revelations she co-owns a budget hotel described by guests as an unsafe "squat hotel" plagued by bed bugs, mould, and security issues.
Exclusive Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Conditions
The Mirror can exclusively reveal that Cunningham holds a 5% share in Plaza Continental Hotels Ltd, the company behind the £50-a-night New Dawn Hotel in London. Despite her public campaign focusing on crime reduction and protecting Londoners, multiple guests have reported alarming experiences at the property.
One female guest, who stayed in June 2023, described having to tie a hairdryer cable to her room door because the lock was broken. "We literally had to tie up our door to be able to fall asleep," she explained, adding that the reception staff made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe.
Pattern of Negative Reviews and Safety Concerns
The hotel maintains an average rating of just 2.7 stars on Google and 2.4 on TripAdvisor, with numerous guests reporting:
- Bed bug infestations discovered in rooms
- Persistent mould smells throughout the property
- Security failures including theft of £2,000 from guests
- Broken locks and doors that wouldn't open properly
- Unsanitary conditions including snails in shower tubs
- Prostitutes knocking on guest room doors
One British guest visiting from Australia in November 2024 reported being locked in his room and having to climb out through a ground floor window. "If that was another floor, or if there was a fire, there'd literally be no way out," he warned.
Candidate's Response and Political Context
Cunningham, who owns a £3.9 million flat and represents Westminster's Lancaster Gate as a councillor, has positioned herself as tough on crime. The former Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor joined Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at a rally in January 2026.
When confronted with the allegations, Cunningham dismissed the Mirror as a "far-left outlet" and stated: "Every hotel faces its challenges. I have no role whatsoever in the running or management of the business." She emphasized the hotel's sentimental value to her mother, who "came to Britain with nothing, grafted, saved, and eventually bought that building."
A Reform UK spokesman supported Cunningham, stating: "Laila neither runs nor manages the hotel. Focusing on isolated negative reviews to suggest wrongdoing on Ms Cunningham's part is desperate."
Regulatory Oversight and Ongoing Concerns
Westminster City Council confirmed receiving two formal complaints about the hotel's condition, with the most recent occurring in 2024. Council representatives conducted inspection visits following these complaints, though specific findings weren't disclosed.
The hotel's website presents a stark contrast to guest experiences, boasting: "We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to make your stay in London truly comfortable." However, the mounting evidence from multiple guests over several years suggests systemic issues at the property.
This revelation comes at a sensitive time for Reform UK as the party seeks to establish credibility in London politics. The disconnect between Cunningham's law-and-order campaign platform and her financial involvement in a property with documented safety issues raises questions about accountability and oversight for political candidates with business interests.
