Labour Party statement:

Iain McNicol has decided to stand down as General Secretary of the Labour Party to pursue new projects on behalf of the party and wider Labour movement. The officers of the Party will meet to decide the process for the election of a successor. To maintain stability, Iain will work with our NEC Officers to deliver a smooth and proper transition ensuring that the Labour Party remains on an election footing.

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:

“I would like to personally thank Iain McNicol for his long and dedicated service to the Labour Party as General Secretary. He has run our party’s organisation at a time of great change, including a near tripling of the membership, two general elections and the EU referendum.

“Iain has served the Labour Party and trade union movement in a wide range of roles throughout his career and is a credit to our movement. I am confident Iain will continue to play a major role in politics and our party, and will support our team inside and outside Parliament with his experience and skills.”

Iain McNicol said:

“It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as General Secretary of the Labour Party. I have now decided to move on to pursue new challenges in the service of the Labour Party and wider labour movement.

“I would like to thank our fantastic staff across the country for their brilliant work and support. A team who continuously go above and beyond to deliver for Labour. It has been a tumultuous seven years including; two general elections, a huge increase in our membership, Scottish and EU referendums.

“It is a hugely exciting time for the Labour Party after we achieved the biggest increase in our vote since 1945 at last year’s general election. I will continue to support Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and will work closely with him and our whole parliamentary team to take Labour to victory at the next general election.”