Labour General Secretary Hollie Ridley Resigns, Citing Personal Reasons

Hollie Ridley, Labour’s general secretary and a key ally of Keir Starmer, will step down this autumn after two years in the role, she announced to party staff. Her decision comes ahead of the party’s annual conference in September, with Ridley citing both personal circumstances and the need to allow the national executive committee to appoint a new general secretary aligned with the incoming leadership.

Ridley, who led Labour’s field operations during the 2024 general election victory, communicated her resignation to senior figures including Andy Burnham, who is expected to succeed Starmer as party leader this month. The general secretary role remains pivotal, and Ridley’s departure opens the door for the next leader to shape their team.

In a statement, Starmer praised Ridley as “one of the most formidable campaigners the Labour party has ever produced,” crediting her for delivering the general election win and her distinguished service as general secretary. He thanked her for her contributions and wished her well in future endeavors.

Ridley, who joined Labour in 2011 at age 22 to combat the British National Party’s influence in her hometown of Dagenham, rose through the ranks from trainee organizer to key roles including head of key seats and executive director of nations and regions. She was appointed general secretary unopposed in September 2024, succeeding David Evans.

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