Hollie Ridley, the general secretary of the Labour Party, announced her resignation on Friday, stating she will step down after the party's annual conference in September 2026. Ridley has served in this role for nearly two years and emphasized the need for the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) to appoint a new general secretary to collaborate with the incoming leader.
Ridley's Contributions to the Labour Party
Ridley has been a key figure in the Labour Party, closely aligned with Sir Keir Starmer and his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. She played a crucial role in organizing the ground campaign that led to Labour's landslide victory in the 2024 general election. Sir Keir praised Ridley as "one of the most formidable campaigners the Labour Party has ever produced," highlighting her significant impact on the party's recent successes.
In her email to colleagues, Ridley expressed her commitment to supporting the next leader, stating, "the next leader will have my full support, as we continue to drive forward the vital work of change and deliver that crucial second term in government." Her tenure has been marked by numerous achievements, including the implementation of programs aimed at increasing women's leadership within the party.
The Future of Labour Leadership
With Ridley's resignation, the spotlight now shifts to potential successors. Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and newly elected MP for Makerfield, is currently the only candidate who has announced his intention to stand for the leadership role. Should Burnham become the new prime minister, he will have the opportunity to influence the NEC's decision regarding the new general secretary.
Ridley began her journey with Labour in 2011, motivated by a desire to combat the rise of the British National Party in her hometown of Dagenham, east London. She became the third female general secretary in Labour's history when she was appointed in October 2024. Her leadership has been characterized by a commitment to grassroots campaigning and a focus on the communities the party serves.
Endorsements and Achievements
Jessica Morden, chair of Labour's parliamentary party, commended Ridley’s extraordinary service, noting, "Hollie delivered the first two Jo Cox women in leadership programmes, won countless elections against the odds, including the Peterborough by-election in 2019, she fought to turn our party around and never lost sight of the communities that Labour exists to serve." Ridley's operational management of the party has included running successful election campaigns and overseeing paid staff.
- Ridley's resignation announced on July 3, 2026
- Served as general secretary for almost two years
- Played a key role in Labour's 2024 election victory
- Third female general secretary in Labour's history
- Endorsed by Labour parliamentary chair Jessica Morden
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