Hollie Ridley appointed Labour general secretary in key party role

Hollie Ridley has been appointed as the new general secretary of the Labour Party, succeeding David Evans, who resigned after four and a half years. Ridley, who has been Labour's executive director for nations and regions since 2022, was the only candidate shortlisted for the role, and her appointment was approved by the party's national executive committee. It is expected to be ratified at the upcoming annual party conference. Ridley is known for her close ties to Keir Starmer and has been instrumental in the party's field operations during the recent general election campaign. Her background includes a decade of service within the Labour Party, starting as a trainee organiser in 2011. She has held various positions, including regional director for the east of England, where she successfully managed the party's campaign in the 2019 Peterborough byelection. Ridley's allies believe her experience can serve as a model for future electoral strategies, particularly against parties like Reform UK. In her address to the national executive committee, Ridley emphasized her commitment to the Labour Party as a vehicle for social progress and expressed her eagerness to work alongside Starmer to ensure the party remains focused on the needs of the British public. Starmer praised her leadership and vision, highlighting her critical role in the party's recent electoral efforts. The new general secretary will face significant responsibilities, including safeguarding internal reforms, fundraising, and preparing for local elections in the spring. Ridley's appointment reflects a strategic move to maintain Starmer's influence within the party and ensure continuity in its leadership and direction.