New Labour general secretary Jennie Formby says she will not tolerate attacks on party staff
3 min read
Labour’s newly-elected general secretary Jennie Formby has condemned a protest that took place yesterday outside the party’s headquarters and vowed to protect staff from any future attacks.
In her first speech to party employees since taking on the role, Unite official Ms Formby criticised those who took part in a demonstration outside the building to celebrate the departure of her predecessor, Iain McNicol.
According to a Labour source, Ms Formby said: “If anyone has any bricks to throw, let them throw them at me, not at staff.”
Yesterday's protest appeared to be organised by Jackie Walker, a left-wing activist suspended by Labour over allegations of anti-Semitism.
Mr McNicol and party chair Ian Lavery also spoke to thank party employees for their work at headquarters and across the country.
Ms Formby and Mr Lavery both paid tribute to Mr McNicol, who dramatically quit last month after seven years in the role.
Ms Formby’s appointment yesterday was seen a boost for Jeremy Corbyn who backed her campaign from the start.
She initially faced a challenge from Momentum boss Jon Lansman - who said he was running despite pressure from Mr Corbyn's office to stay out of the race - but he eventually withdrew, making her victory all-but inevitable.
After being chosen by Labour's ruling national executive committee at a meeting this yesterday afternoon, Ms Formby said: "I am honoured to be appointed Labour’s new general secretary. I would like to thank my predecessor, Iain McNicol, for his tireless dedication to the party over the past seven years.
"Last year’s general election showed the strength of our movement when we are united, challenging this government’s failed and damaging policies and campaigning for real change, in the interests of communities across the UK.
"Labour is preparing for government and I look forward to working with Jeremy Corbyn, our party’s staff, members of parliament, members and affiliates to oppose the Conservatives’ destructive austerity programme inside and outside parliament, and to win elections to build a society that works for the many, not the few."
Ms Formby is currently Unite's regional officer for the south-east and has been on Labour's NEC for seven years.
Welcoming her appointment, Mr Corbyn said: "Her talent, experience and commitment to the Labour and trade union movement makes me confident she will play a crucial role in building on last year’s inspiring General Election advance and taking our party forward to victory.
"The Labour party is on the cusp of power and we are ready for a general election whenever it comes. We have the team, the passion and the policies to win the support of the British people, form a government and transform our society for the many, not the few."
Allies of Mr Corbyn, including Shadow Cabinet members Emily Thornberry, Shami Chakrabarti, Dawn Butler and Richard Burgon, as well as Unite boss Len McCluskey, were among those who attended a party to celebrate Ms Formby's win at a Westminster pub last night.
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