Board of Deputies vice-president Jonathan Arkush has announced he will stand in the organisation’s presidential election in May.

Mr Arkush, who has served as chair of the Board’s defence and group relations division for the past six years, said he had the “extensive experience” necessary for the top job.

He follows fellow vice-president Alex Brummer in declaring his candidacy. Mr Brummer announced in December that he would fight to be president.

Mr Arkush, a commercial property lawyer at London’s 11 Stone Buildings chambers, said his current Board roles “have given me extensive experience in combatting antisemitism, warding off attacks on shechita and brit milah and fighting the obsessive hostility directed at the state of Israel.

“I have always led from the front and worked hard to promote the Board's vital role of protecting and defending our community. I have been a constant advocate for our community on television, radio and print media where I have raised the Board's profile.”

Mr Arkush, who lives in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, said he had been encouraged by “diverse parts of the British Jewish community” to run for the presidency.