Joe Fortune elected by NEC as Labour’s new general secretary

Joe Fortune has been elected as Labour’s new general secretary, LabourList can confirm.

Fortune, the general secretary of the Co-operative Party, was the only candidate still running for the position – and was elected by a unanimous vote of Labour’s National Executive Committee earlier today.

Two other candidates, including Labour’s executive director of stakeholder relations Claire Reynolds, were in contention to stand for the position – but stood aside after Fortune received the backing of Labour leader and Prime Minister Andy Burnham last month.

Fortune will replace outgoing general secretary Hollie Ridley, who was responsible for the world-renowned field campaign which helped to secure Labour’s historic general election victory in 2024.

It marks the first time in Labour’s history that Co-operative Party members have simultaneously held the rules of Labour leader, deputy leader and general secretary.

Fortune has served as general secretary of the Co-operative Party since 2019, having previously served as the party’s national political and policy manager in 2010.

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Joe Fortune, incoming General Secretary of the Labour Party, said: “Andy Burnham has been clear that, with his leadership, we are one Labour team working together to secure the next term of a Labour Government, delivering for all our communities.

“Taking up the role of General Secretary to help achieve that second term is a huge privilege and responsibility, and I look forward to working across the Labour movement to achieve it.”

Andy Burnham, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, said: “I want to congratulate Joe on his selection as General Secretary of the Labour Party. As a proud Co-op Party member, I have first-hand experience of the immense dedication and drive Joe has for helping put our Labour values into action right across the country.

“I know that Joe will build on the crucial work Hollie Ridley has done to ensure our Party remains the world-class campaigning force Labour is so that we can keep on delivering the change we want to see in every postcode across Britain.”

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