LABOUR’S national executive today named Joe Fortune as the party’s new general secretary.

Mr Fortune has been the general secretary of the Co-operative party, which is affiliated to Labour, for seven years.

He was Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s choice for the job, and replaces Starmer supporter Hollie Ridley, who had announced that she was standing down after Mr Burnham took over as leader.

Mr Fortune said: “Andy Burnham has been clear that, with his leadership, we are one Labour team working together to secure the next term of a Labour government, delivering for all our communities.

“Taking up the role of general secretary to help achieve that second term is a huge privilege and responsibility, and I look forward to working across the Labour movement to achieve it.”

Mr Burnham said he believed the new general secretary would keep Labour as a “world-class campaigning force.” It is not thought that there was any opposition to the choice at the executive.