Jewish Labour Movement welcomes party’s new general secretary

The Jewish Labour Movement has welcomed the party’s new General Secretary, David Evans.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Jennie Formby’s successor will help restore “trust” nationally , ahead of the publication of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into claims of antisemitism.

One of Mr Evans’ key issues will be dealing with allegations of antisemitism by some party members, and a probe by the equalities watchdog into the situation.

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission’s inquiry is set to be made public soon after years of internal strife within the party over how allegations of antisemitism have been handled.

The Jewish Labour Movement tweeted: “We welcome David Evans’ appointment as Labour’s new General Secretary. We look forward to working with him to ensure Labour deals with its flawed disciplinary processes and the toxic culture in local parties, including acting on the 19 steps we set out for his predecessor.”

David Evans, who worked for Labour under the leadership of Tony Blair, and was seen as the favourite of Sir Keir, was backed for the role by the party’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday.

Sir Keir said: “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.”

Former assistant general secretary Mr Evans said: “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.”

The appointment follows the stepping down of Jennie Formby, a close ally of ex-leader Jeremy Corbyn, from the role. Sir Keir said Formby had quit by “mutual consent”.

This comes after reports that Labour is set to offer a private briefing to the Board of Deputies, while the Jewish Labour Movement held a virtual meeting with Keir Starmer last week.

• Read more: OPINION: Herculean effort needed to change party’s culture