A LEWISHAM teacher’s union secretary has announced he will stand in the London Assembly elections.

Martin Powell-Davies from the National Union of Teachers is running as part of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) in the May 3 elections.

Mr Powell-Davies is a familiar face in the borough, having led numerous strikes and protests.

He said: “The assembly elections provide a great opportunity to elect candidates who will stand out against the pro-cuts consensus from all the main parties.

“The TUSC challenge has a real chance to succeed in electing at least one assembly member.

“This would be a real breakthrough for everyone who wants to defend education and public services from cuts and privatisation.”

He added: “Teachers know they can’t just fight cuts and privatisation through trade union action alone.

“We also need political representatives that will speak out in support of union policies".