David Evans appointed Labour Party General Secretary

The Labour Party has today appointed David Evans as its new General Secretary following the resignation of Corbyn-loyalist Jennie Formby. 

The appointment was made by the Party’s National Executive Committee after a full selection and interview process.

On the centre-right of the Party, he is the current founder of the political research and consultancy firm The Campaign Group. He was previously the Assistant General Secretary of the Labour Party from 1999 to 2001, with responsibility for the organisation of Labour’s 2001 General Election campaign. He was a councillor in Croydon from 1986 to 1990.

Concerns were raised by the left after it was highlighted that Evans wrote a report in 1999 describing local parties as “dysfunctional” and comparing them to Del Boy’s “Trotters Independent Traders”. Trade unions on the left pointed out the paper recommended a “radical overhaul” of the party that could “empower modernising forces within the party and marginalise Old Labour”.

David Evans said:

“It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed General Secretary of the Labour Party.

“We face a defining period in the history of our great party, with a global pandemic, an imminent recession and a mountain to climb to win the next election. Through the strength of our movement, I know we can rise to this challenge.

“I look forward to working with our party, trade unions and members to build a team that can win us the next general election and give us the opportunity to once again serve the British people in government.”

Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, said:

“I want to congratulate David on his appointment as General Secretary. He brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role and a clear understanding of the scale of the task ahead of us.

“I look forward to working with David to build a team that can help us restore trust with the British people and build a team that can win the next election.”

Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, said:

“David will make a fantastic General Secretary of the Labour Party.

“Last year’s election result was devastating for our movement. It is now our duty to work as a team to unite our party, reconnect with the British people and offer the better future that our country deserves.”