Labour General Secretary to Step Down After Conference
Hollie Ridley, credited with organising the ground campaign that contributed to Labour's decisive election victory in 2024, has announced she will resign as Labour's general secretary this autumn after nearly two years in the position.
Ridley, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer and his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, informed party staff on Friday that it was appropriate for Labour's ruling national executive committee (NEC) to appoint a new general secretary "to work alongside our new leader." She confirmed she would step aside following the party's annual conference in September.
Sir Keir Starmer, who declared his intention to step down as prime minister in June, praised Ridley as
"one of the most formidable campaigners the Labour Party has ever produced."He also acknowledged her leadership of the ground campaign that played a significant role in Labour's landslide general election win in 2024.
Should Andy Burnham succeed Sir Keir as prime minister, he will have the opportunity to influence the NEC's decision regarding the party's operational leadership. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and newly elected MP for Makerfield, is currently the only candidate to have announced his candidacy.
In her email to colleagues, Ridley expressed her commitment to supporting the incoming leader, stating
"The next leader will have my full support, as we continue to drive forward the vital work of change and deliver that crucial second term in government."
Career and Contributions
Ridley began her involvement with Labour in 2011, initially motivated by a desire to combat the rise of the British National Party in Dagenham, east London, where she was raised. Over the years, she has held various roles within the party, culminating in her appointment as Labour's third female general secretary in October 2024.
Jessica Morden, chair of Labour's parliamentary party, commended Ridley on Friday, describing her as the most
"extraordinary servant."Morden highlighted Ridley's achievements, including delivering the first two Jo Cox women in leadership programmes, securing numerous election victories against the odds—such as the Peterborough by-election in 2019—and her dedication to revitalising the party while remaining focused on the communities Labour serves.
The general secretary of the Labour Party is responsible for the party's operational management, which includes overseeing election campaigns and managing paid staff.
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