The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition have announced today they are to field a candidate for the General Elections in Brent Central.

The party, which was formed by the late Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT, has pledged that they will not vote for cuts or privatisation.

John Boyle, a socialist and community activist, will stand for TUSC in the hotly contested seat on May 7.

He told the Times: “I’m standing to provide an alternative to the mainstream parties and oppose all cuts and privatisation.

“Labour-run Brent Council has just agreed £54 million worth of cuts for next two years. This means loss of valuable resources like Stonebridge Adventure playground and children’s’ crossing wardens.

“I would support and help build campaigns which pressure central government for the funding Brent needs.

“I pledge to actively oppose and vote against all proposed cuts.”

TUSC are fielding a total of 26 parliamentary candidates in London.

Mr Boyle will be fighting for the seat against Dawn Butler (Labour), Dr Alan Mendoza (Conservative), Shahrar Ali (Green), Stephen Priestley (UKIP).

Former Liberal Democrat candidate Ibrahim Taguri quit the party earlier this week following allegations that he sought to bypass party funding laws.

He is expected to stand as an independent.

The Lib Dems have yet to select an alternative candidate.