Labour general secretary Jennie Formby resigns after bombshell antisemitism report leak
Leader Sir Keir Stamer praises her "commitment" during a "period of political upheaval" following another party row.
Monday 4 May 2020 15:47, UK
Jennie Formby has resigned as Labour's general secretary - the boss of party headquarters.
She said she applied for the role two years ago "to support Jeremy Corbyn" but with new leader Sir Keir Starmer in place "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," the former trade unionist said in a statement.
"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."
Sir Keir thanked Ms Formby "for her service and for the personal and professional efforts she has made in advancing the cause she has fought all her life for".
He praised her "commitment and energy" during a "period of political upheaval".
Labour's ruling body - the national executive committee - will meet soon to decide a timetable for appointing a replacement.
Ms Formby's departure signals a further potential weakening of the party's left wing and its hold over Labour power structures.
It comes after a bombshell report into officials' handling of antisemitism complaints was leaked. This is now subject to an internal investigation.
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Ms Formby has also quit ahead of the conclusion of a probe by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission into the same issue.
Party staffers signalled her departure was not surprising, one telling Sky News it was "expected" and another saying she "knew she was done for".
A third said it was an "inevitable and crucial step in sorting the basket case of a party out" while a fourth noted several of the frontrunners to take over "have been damaged in recent weeks".