A contender for the London Mayor position under the Reform party is part-owner of a rundown hotel known as the New Dawn Hotel, which has been labeled a “squat hotel” due to its poor conditions. Guests have complained of issues such as mold infestation and bed bug problems at the establishment, where rates start at £50 per night.
Laila Cunningham, who is spearheading an anti-crime initiative after being endorsed by Nigel Farage’s party, faces criticism as her hotel has received numerous negative reviews, with some guests reporting theft incidents. Despite her affluent background, owning a £3.9 million property, Cunningham has vowed to prioritize the safety and security of London residents.
One female guest shared her unsettling experience at the New Dawn Hotel, expressing concerns about the lack of safety measures, especially for women. She recounted resorting to using a hairdryer cord to secure her room door due to a faulty lock. Investigations reveal that the hotel is under the ownership of Plaza Continental Hotels Ltd, with Cunningham holding a 5% stake in the business.
Former CPS prosecutor Cunningham, who serves as a councillor for Westminster’s Lancaster Gate, has emphasized her commitment to combatting crime. However, guests have reported incidents of theft amounting to £2,000, casting doubt on the hotel’s security measures.
Despite the hotel’s claims of being a “family-owned and operated” establishment dedicated to ensuring guests’ comfort, numerous reviews paint a starkly different picture. Guests have described the rooms as smelly and unsanitary, with reports of malfunctioning locks and overall poor maintenance.
In response to the mounting criticisms, Westminster City Council disclosed that they have received complaints regarding the hotel’s conditions, prompting an inspection visit to address the concerns raised by guests. Cunningham has distanced herself from the hotel’s management, attributing its significance to her mother’s hard work and perseverance in acquiring the property.
A spokesperson for Reform UK defended Cunningham, stating that she does not oversee the hotel’s operations and dismissing the negative reviews as isolated incidents. Despite the backlash, Cunningham remains steadfast in her political aspirations, advocating for improved safety measures and law enforcement in London.