Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Momentum founder Jon Lansman considering bid to be Labour’s next general secretary

It follows the dramatic resignation last week of Iain McNicol, who has held the top post since 2011

Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
Monday 26 February 2018 18:18 EST
Comments
Jon Lansman
Jon Lansman (Rex )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Momentum founder Jon Lansman is considering a bid for the vacancy of Labour’s next general secretary, The Independent understands.

It follows the dramatic resignation last week of Iain McNicol, who has held the top post since 2011, after he said he wished to “pursue new projects”.

He will be replaced in a fast-tracked process – lasting just three weeks – with his successor being appointed on 20 March by Labour’s governing body, the National Executive Committee (NEC).

But while it is widely expected Mr McNicol will be replaced with a left-winger and an individual loyal to Jeremy Corbyn, the result is far from certain as nominations remain open until the middle of March.

Unite officer Jennie Formby has been the focus of much speculation as Mr McNicol’s successor but sources in the grassroots organisation Momentum expressed dissatisfaction on Monday that the significant post in the Labour party is not directly elected by the membership.

Mr Lansman, a veteran left-winger, and close ally of the Labour leader, is now understood to be considering whether to throw his hat into the ring for the vacancy at Labour HQ. He was elected as a member of the NEC last month.

A source close to Mr Lansman told The Independent: “He has decades of experience in the party, cares deeply about its future and all wings of the party want a range of candidates to apply.”

On Monday, Mr McNicol received rapturous applause as he addressed the weekly private meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Monday evening.

He had clashed with Mr Corbyn’s team during the 2016 Labour leadership contest, when he was accused of trying to prevent the party leader getting on the ballot paper a second time by arguing that he should have to seek nominations from MPs.

Announcing his resignation, he said last week: “It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as general secretary of the Labour Party. I have now decided to move on to pursue new challenges in the service of the Labour Party and wider labour movement.

“It is a hugely exciting time for the Labour Party after we achieved the biggest increase in our vote since 1945 at last year’s general election. I will continue to support Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and will work closely with him and our whole parliamentary team to take Labour to victory at the next general election.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in