Co-operative Party’s Joe Fortune set to be appointed Labour General Secretary

Co-operative Party General Secretary Joe Fortune is set be appointed General Secretary of the Labour Party, LabourList understands.

Fortune is understood to be the only candidate still in the running for the position ahead of a vote by Labour’s National Executive Committee tomorrow.

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 Andy Burnham last month.

Fortune has been the General Secretary of the Co-operative Party – a sister party to Labour – since 2019. He joined the staff in 2010 National Political and Policy Manager in 2010.

If elected by the NEC, delegates at party conference will also vote on his appointment.

Fortune would mark the first time that Co-operative Party members have simultaneously held the roles of Labour Party leader, deputy leader and general secretary.

The Labour Party has been approached for comment.

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