A candidate seeking to become London’s Mayor under the Reform party is facing accusations of double standards for advocating tough measures against crime while associating with a disgraced Conservative figure linked to drug-related behavior.

Laila Cunningham, who switched allegiance from the Conservative party to Nigel Farage’s party, was seen posing with Philip Stephenson-Oliver, who was previously exposed for offering “fun flour” at a party, allegedly snorted from a photo of former Prime Minister David Cameron. Despite Cunningham’s tough talk against criminal elements like knife gangs and drug dealers, her association with Stephenson-Oliver, a tainted Tory member, has raised eyebrows.

While campaigning as Farage’s potential mayoral candidate for 2028, Cunningham vowed to wage an aggressive war against crime, but her connections to individuals embroiled in scandal have drawn criticism from Labour representatives. The irony of Cunningham projecting a tough-on-crime image while aligning with someone involved in illicit activities has not gone unnoticed.

Stephenson-Oliver’s controversial actions, including handling illicit substances at a party, were exposed in 2023. Despite being suspended by the Conservative Party at that time, he has seemingly been reinstated. The self-proclaimed influencer and reservist soldier continues to be associated with the Conservative Party.

Social media posts revealed Cunningham’s cordial relationship with Stephenson-Oliver prior to her party switch. Despite the controversy surrounding her associations, Cunningham’s focus on combating crime remains a central theme in her political narrative.

In a separate development, concerns have been raised about a hotel co-owned by Cunningham being plagued by bed bugs, a matter she claims no involvement in managing. The Reform UK party defended Stephenson-Oliver as an individual who has been cleared of wrongdoing. Neither Stephenson-Oliver nor the Ministry of Defence offered comments when requested.