Three former Labour General Secretaries have issued a plea for the party to concentrate on its national transformation plan rather than descend into internal disputes over Keir Starmer's leadership.
David Evans, Iain McNicol, and Ray Collins, who previously served as the party's top administrative officials, expressed deep disappointment over the recent electoral setbacks in Scotland, Wales, and English local elections. They emphasised that the first priority should be supporting those who lost their seats, candidates who stood, and the thousands of activists who campaigned tirelessly.
The trio acknowledged the immense challenges facing Britain, including global instability and the cost-of-living crisis, where Starmer has demonstrated leadership. They warned against those who exploit grievance and offer simplistic solutions, stressing Labour's duty to present a credible and compelling vision.
“We must not look inward, when we should be reaching outward,” they wrote. In the past two years, the Labour government has passed 60 bills aimed at improving lives and places. A forthcoming King's Speech will outline further steps for national change.
While recognising public impatience for progress, the former officials called for honesty about the need to communicate achievements more effectively. “Above all else we need to focus attention on our plan for the country. To do otherwise would only strengthen and embolden our opponents,” they stated.
The message concluded with a call for unity: “This is therefore a moment not for fragmentation, but for coming together.”
David Evans, Iain McNicol, and Ray Collins are former General Secretaries of the Labour Party.
