Momentum boss Jon Lansman withdraws from Labour general secretary race
3 min read
Momentum chief Jon Lansman has dramatically pulled out of the race to be the next Labour party general secretary.
His controversial bid to challenge fellow National Executive Committee member Jennie Formby sparked ruptures among the Labour left.
Unite official Ms Formby had won the backing of the Labour leadership while Mr Lansman was supported by those who want to further democratise the party.
Announcing his intention to stand last month, Mr Lansman took aim at the dominance of the trade unions within Labour and pointed out that Mr Corbyn had run for the party leadership on a pledge to end "the old machine politics".
However in a sensational U-turn, the veteran left-winger released a statement saying he would step back from his bid to succeed Ian McNicol.
He said he had succeeded in sparking a debate about throwing open the party machinery further and encouraging others to stand for the general secretary post.
“We must draw a clear line between our renewed and reinvigorated mass-membership party and previous eras of command and control – where the view of members and affiliates alike were too often ignored, party conference over-ruled and the NEC disrespected," he said.
“With my aims fulfilled I have decided to step back from the race to focus on my role on the NEC, working with members and affiliates to replace the old top-down model with modern, open and transparent, pluralist, participative democracy.
“We need to restore the elected NEC to its proper governance role including holding our new general secretary to account and upholding the rights of party members.”
His comments suggest another representative of the Momentum wing will throw their hat into the ring in the two days before the window to do so closes.
The Momentum chief also moved to distance himself from reports of warfare among senior left-wing Labour figures, by condemning “misogynistic” attacks on Ms Formby.
And he praised the “comradely” debate on the issue of whether the NEC chief should be an elected role in the party and the “urgent question” of what a “transformed member-led party Labour could look like”.
He added: “I’ve also had a number of party members get in touch to let me know they are applying for the role of general secretary.
“With 2 days until the deadline, I reiterate my call for Labour members, especially women, with talent and experience to consider submitting an application.
“Ordinary members must be encouraged to step forward, take positions of responsibility and offer up their experience, whether as local councillors or MPs, within our governing structures or on our fantastic staff team.”
Labour's new general secretary will be chosen by the party's NEC on 20 March.
Read Mr Lansman's full statement below:
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