Hollie Ridley, Labour's general secretary and ally of Keir Starmer, announced her decision to step down this autumn after serving for two years. In an internal email to party staff, she stated that she would resign following the party's annual conference in September 2024, citing personal reasons and the need for a successor to work with the new party leader.
Reasons for Ridley's Departure
Ridley emphasized that her resignation is partly due to personal reasons but also aimed at allowing Labour's national executive committee to choose a new general secretary who can collaborate with the incoming leader. Keir Starmer confirmed in June that he would be stepping down as prime minister, with Andy Burnham expected to take over soon.
In her email, Ridley expressed her commitment to supporting the new prime minister and highlighted the importance of her role in the party's recent successes, particularly the 2024 general election victory.
Ridley's Contributions to the Labour Party
Having joined Labour in 2011 at the age of 22, Ridley has held various positions within the party, including campaign organizer and regional director. She is recognized as a trailblazer for senior women in Labour. Ridley stated, “I refused to believe that space shouldn’t be made for working-class girls determined to change their communities for the better.”
