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Process announced for appointing next Co-Operative Party General Secretary

The Co-Operative Party have opened the process to begin their search for its next General Secretary.

This comes following the outgoing General Secretary Joe Fortune being appointed as the new General Secretary of the Labour Party. Fortune gave his first speech in this new role at Labour Party Conference this week.

READ MORE: INTERVIEW: ‘Now is our moment’: Caitlin Prowle of the Co-operative Party looks ahead to Britain’s first Co-op PM

While the Co-Operative Party searches for a replacement to Fortune, Assistant General Secretary Caitlin Prowle has taken over in an interim capacity. Prowle is not expected to apply for the role permanently.

Applications to the role are open for submissions over the next three weeks, between now and 5pm on October 20th 2026.

Following a review of the applications, the Co-Operative Party National Executive Committee will then compose a shortlist of applicants they will look to interview. Interviews are expected to take place online on 29th October and in person in London on 30th October 2026. Shortlisted applicants are required to be available for both days.

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The decision on who the successful candidate will be will have concluded prior to 14th November 2026, when the successful candidate is expected to attend the Co-Operative’s National Executive Committee strategy day.

Co-operative Party Chair Jim McMahon said: “This is a hugely exciting role at a hugely exciting time. With our first ever Labour and Co-operative Prime Minister taking our politics to the top of government, the opportunity to further co-operation has never been greater.
“This role requires political motivation and skill, the ability to lead our brilliant staff team and continue the vital work being done to grow our membership and influence.

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For anyone who may wish to consider applying to the role, they can find the full details here.

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Tags: Parliament / Labour Party / Andy Burnham / MPs / Labour / Government / Politics / Downing Street / prime Minister / Chancellor / House of Commons / PM / UK politics / UK Labour Party /

James Tibbitts is a reporter for LabourList following time working in the House of Commons for a Labour MP, beginning as a Caseworker before moving into Communications.

View all articles by James Tibbitts
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