Labour general secretary Jennie Formby diagnosed with breast cancer
2 min read
Labour general secretary Jennie Formby has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The party’s most senior official informed MPs and peers of the news in an email on Monday morning.
Ms Formby said she would be beginning her treatment later this week in a hospital in Southampton, where she lives.
She said: “Although this news has come as a shock to me and my family, I feel so grateful that I have access to and support from our wonderful NHS.
“I’m incredibly lucky that we have amazing teaching, research and women’s hospitals in Southampton.
“Breast Cancer has had so much investment that outcomes are really positive, but I know that other cancers have less funding for research and treatment and that access to such good cancer care isn’t the same all across the country.
“I feel pride that we are all working together for a Labour government that will change this.”
Ms Formby, who became general secretary a year ago, said she will “continue to work as much as I can” during her treatment.
A Labour spokesperson said Ms Formby was “taking a realistic approach towards her treatment”.
“She has a strong management team and on days that she is unable to work, Labour party Executive Directors and the general secretary’s direct team will ensure business as usual,” they said.
“The Party is fully supporting Jennie through this period.”
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