Hollie Ridley, Labour’s general secretary, has announced she will step down this autumn after two years in the role. In an internal email to party staff, Ridley said she would stand down after the party’s annual conference in September.
Reasons for departure
Ridley cited personal reasons for her decision but also stated it was the right time to allow Labour’s ruling national executive committee to appoint a new general secretary “to work alongside a new leader once they are elected.” Keir Starmer announced in June that he was stepping down as prime minister, with Andy Burnham expected to replace him later this month.
Role and influence
The party general secretary is a highly influential position. Starmer oversaw Ridley’s appointment shortly after becoming prime minister. Burnham, like Starmer, will likely want a close ally in the post. Ridley began working with Labour in 2011 at age 22, initially to fight the rise of the British National party in Dagenham, where she grew up. She has held numerous party roles and is seen as a trailblazer for senior women in the party.
Starmer’s tribute
In a statement, Starmer called Ridley “one of the most formidable campaigners the Labour party has ever produced.” He added: “She built and led the ground campaign that delivered our general election victory and allowed us to start changing Britain, and as general secretary she has served our party with distinction.” Starmer thanked her for her work and wished her well.
Internal communications
Before announcing her departure, Ridley contacted Burnham’s team and other senior party figures to inform them in advance, emphasizing she would continue to support a new prime minister. Ridley, who is close to Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, spearheaded Labour’s against-the-odds victory in the 2019 Peterborough by-election.
Ridley’s personal message
In her email to staff, Ridley shared her background: “I grew up in Dagenham, the daughter of a family support worker and a lorry driver. Teachers always told me that politics wasn’t for me, that I should lower my sights and have more realistic expectations. I refused to believe that space shouldn’t be made for working-class girls determined to change their communities for the better. The Labour party shared my view, appointing me to the role of trainee organiser.” She listed her various roles over the years, culminating in general secretary.
Appointment and succession
Ridley took the job in September 2024, replacing the long-serving David Evans, and was appointed unopposed. Her departure will trigger a selection process for a new general secretary to work alongside the incoming party leader.
