IN the run up to the General Election on May 6, the Harrow Times is featuring daily profiles on the candidates vying for your votes in Brent and Harrow.

Today features Martin Francis, Green Party candidate for Brent North.

For comprehensive election coverage, click here.

Martin Francis is a long time Brent resident who was born in Kingsbury and now lives in Wembley.

He worked at a Wembley primary school until his retirement nearly three years ago, and has in the past worked as a reporter for news agency Reuters covering the London Stock Exchange.

During his time as a teacher, he was president of West London Teachers' Association, and remains a governor at two Brent primary schools and a trustee of the Brent Play Association.

He runs an environmental children’s project, Brent School Without Walls, in Fryent Country Park, and is currently chairman of Brent Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Of his decision to go into politics after teaching, Martin says: “I want to make a difference and help improve people's lives.

“I chose the Green Party because it is committed to social justice as well as the environment.

“The creation of New Labour meant that no major party was really putting forward the radical policies needed to tackle inequality - the Green Party now fills that gap.”

Martin is campaigning under the slogan of “Fair is worth fighting for”, and his key priorities are:

- Opposition to public sector cuts

He says these will only deepen the recession, delay recovery and worsen the quality of peoples' lives.

Martin is proposing to “a massive investment programme that will create a million new jobs”, including efficient public transport and affordable homes.

- Limits to executive salaries

Martin wants to see a fair living wage for all, and the introduction of a High Pay Commission to keep executive pay within reasonable limits.

His reforms will also see actions to “curb casino capitalism and bankers' bonuses” which Martin says are costing the taxpayer.

- Oppose privatising services

Martin opposes privatising schools and health services, and insists government reforms mean the public has lost democratic control of what services it is funding.

He is campaigning for the restoration of free dental care, and free health school lunches to school pupils.

- End Trident renewal

Martin wants an ethical foreign and defence policy that will see nuclear defence system Trident's renewal being cancelled.

He wants Britain to withdraw from Afghanistan, and take a fresh look at the problems affecting Israel and the Middle East.