Today the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition announced its Poplar and Limehouse candidate for the general election.

It will field Hugo Pierre, who was proposed by RMT representative for Wapping Dave Wallis.

Pierre said he appreciated the trade unionist backing.

“The mainstream parties declared war on working class areas like ours when they agreed to a £30billion package of cuts to our public services,” he said. “We need an MP who’ll support workers; who’ll support private tenants against rip-off landlords; who’ll support housing association tenants against unaffordable rent.”

He said he was against land being used to build homes for “the rich” and tube ticket office closures.

He also backs the introduction of a £10 an hour minimum wage and pledged to take “the average wage of a skilled worker” if elected.

“His heart is with the working class,” David Wallis said. “My cousin, Bob Crow, would be proud.”