Labour has begun the process of selecting its next general secretary following Hollie Ridley’s decision to stand down from the role in the autumn.
The contest is understood to be wide open, with no established favourite and several experienced figures from across the Labour and trade union movement being discussed as potential candidates.
The general secretary is Labour’s most senior employee, responsible for the party’s organisation, finances, staff, campaigning operation and compliance with electoral law. The holder also serves as secretary to Labour’s National Executive Committee.
The appointment comes at an important moment for the party as Prime Minister and Labour leader Andy Burnham seeks to strengthen Labour’s campaigning organisation, bring different parts of the movement together and prepare for future elections.
A number of names have been mentioned as possible candidates, although the formal shortlist has not yet been announced.
Joe Fortune, the general secretary of the Co-operative Party, is among those being discussed. Fortune has spent almost two decades within the Co-operative movement and has led its political party for nearly a decade.
During that period, the Co-operative Party has increased its membership, income and parliamentary representation. Fortune is also known for his relationships across Labour and the wider trade union movement.
Claire Reynolds, Labour’s executive director of stakeholder relations, is another name being considered. Reynolds has worked for Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Keir Starmer and previously served as director of the Labour Women’s Network.
Karin Christiansen may also be in contention. She served as general secretary of the Co-operative Party between 2012 and 2015 and was previously considered for the Labour general secretary position in 2020.
Anthony Lavelle, Labour’s North West regional director and a Liverpool councillor, has also been mentioned. His experience includes overseeing party organisation and election campaigns across one of Labour’s most important regions.
Another possible candidate is John Lehal, Labour’s former chief operating officer. Lehal was considered for the position when David Evans stood down in 2024 and previously managed Burnham’s Labour leadership campaign in 2015.
Lisa Johnson, a former GMB director of external relations, is also among the names being discussed. She has experience of communications, political engagement and the trade union movement.
Labour peer Alicia Kennedy could also be considered. She served as the party’s deputy general secretary between 2006 and 2011, giving her extensive knowledge of Labour’s internal structures and campaigning operations.
Christina McAnea, the former general secretary of Unison, has also been named as a potential candidate. McAnea spent more than three decades working for the union and brings considerable experience of leading a major national organisation.
How will Labour choose its new general secretary?
Labour members do not directly elect the general secretary.
The National Executive Committee will agree the precise procedure. Applications are normally considered initially by a smaller group of NEC officers and representatives from different parts of the Labour movement.
That group produces a longlist, interviews applicants and agrees which candidates should progress to the final stage.
The process is expected to examine candidates’ organisational and campaigning records, political judgement, leadership abilities and understanding of Labour’s values and structures.
Shortlisted candidates will then appear before the full NEC, where they are normally asked to present their vision for the party and answer questions from members.
The NEC will choose its preferred candidate through a secret ballot. Under Labour’s rules, the general secretary is formally elected by party conference following a recommendation from the NEC.
The NEC includes representatives of Labour members, affiliated trade unions, socialist societies, parliamentarians, councillors and other sections of the movement. Its composition means that successful candidates must demonstrate that they can command confidence across the party.
Labour’s rules require the general secretary to devote their full working time to the party. They are also prohibited from standing as a parliamentary candidate while holding the position.
The successful applicant will inherit responsibility for supporting a Labour government while maintaining strong relationships with members, trade unions, councillors, MPs and campaigners throughout the country.
They will also be expected to strengthen Labour’s finances, modernise its organisation, support local and national campaigns and help deliver Burnham’s commitment to a more open and united party.
With no formal shortlist announced and a wide range of experienced figures potentially in contention, the selection remains open ahead of the NEC’s final decision.
