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Formby steps down from role as Labour's General Secretary
The Corbyn ally was at the centre of the party's widely criticised attempts to deal with its antisemitism crisis
May 4, 2020 11:48
The Corbyn ally was at the centre of the party's widely criticised attempts to deal with its antisemitism crisis
May 4, 2020 11:48Jennie Formby has announced she is standing down as Labour’s General Secretary.
Ms Formby was appointed by Jeremy Corbyn to the role two years ago and was at the centre of attempts to deal with party’s antisemitism crisis.
Announcing the decision, which left Sir Keir Starmer in a stronger position to make his own appointment in the party he now leads, Ms Formby said on Monday: “When I applied for the role of General secretary in 2018 it was because I wanted to support Jeremy Corbyn, who inspired so many people to get involved in politics with his message of hope, equality and peace.
“It has been a huge privilege to be general secretary of the largest political party in Europe for the last two years, but now we have a new leadership team it is the right time to step down.
“I would like to thank Jeremy, our members and my staff colleagues who have given me so much support during what has been a very challenging period, in particular when I was suffering from ill health.
“I wish Keir and Angela the very best of luck in taking the party forward and leading Labour to victory at the next General Election”.
After being appointed General Secretary, Ms Formby said she would take decisive action to help stem the party’s anti-Jewish racism crisis and was openly critical of the way her predecessor Lord Iain McNicol handled the issue.
But despite the publication of statistics on how the party’s disciplinary body was handling antisemitism complaints, criticism of the party continued.
Last month, it emerged that Ms Formby had commissioned a report into the party’s handling of complaints, which was leaked online.
It was widely criticised as a clear attempt to blame the problem on the ‘right wing’ of the party and on staff.
Jewish members were left fuming when their names and complaints on antisemitism were detailed in the 860-page report.
Labour now faces costly data protection and defamation claims from at least 30 individuals as a result of the leak.
On Monday there was speculation Ms Formby would find a new senior role for herself in Len McCluskey’s Unite union, as the pair are known to be close allies.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer thanked Ms Formby for her service, adding: “Jennie has led our party’s organisation with commitment and energy through a period of political upheaval, including a snap General Election last year.
“I wish her the very best for the future.”
Labour said an NEC officers meeting would be convened "soon" to discuss a timetable for electing Ms Formby’s replacement.
