Jon Lansman: Momentum founder to run for Labour general secretary as rival groups vie for power

A source close to Mr Lansman told The Independent: ‘He wants to see an an open contest so Labour can get the best candidate, rather than a back-room stitch-up. If that means throwing his hat in the ring, then so be it’

Momentum founder Jon Lansman

The founder of the powerful Corbyn-backing Momentum organisation will run for the position of Labour’s general secretary, The Independent understands.

On Monday sources close to the veteran left-winger Jon Lansman said he was considering throwing his hat into the ring following the dramatic resignation of Iain McNicol last week after nearly seven years in the role.

While there has been no official confirmation, he is understood to have decided to run for the position, which has responsibility for overseeing the finances of the Labour Party.

A source close to Mr Lansman told The Independent: “He wants to see an an open contest so Labour can get the best candidate, rather than a back-room stitch-up. If that means throwing his hat in the ring, then so be it.

“He cares deeply about Labour, has decades of experience and has the interests of the members at heart – I’m sure he’d make an excellent general secretary.“

Mr McNicol will be replaced in three weeks’ time with his successor being appointed by Labour’s governing body, the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Although it is widely expected Mr McNicol will be replaced with a left-winger loyal to Jeremy Corbyn, the result is far from certain as nominations remain open until the middle of March.

Unite officer Jennie Formby has been the focus of much speculation as Mr McNicol’s successor, but sources in the grassroots organisation Momentum expressed dissatisfaction on Monday that the significant post in the party is not directly elected by the membership.

Mr McNicol held the top post since 2011 but said he was stepping down on Friday to “pursue new projects”. He had previously clashed with Mr Corbyn and the Labour leader’s allies during the 2016 leadership contest over the rules regarding members.

“It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as general secretary of the Labour Party,” Mr McNicol said. “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.”