KEIR Starmer has received a boost after Labour's ruling body appointed David Evans as the party's new General Secretary.
The National Executive Committee backed Mr Evans, who was regarded as the frontrunner and is seen as being close to the Labour leader.
As Assistant General Secretary of the party during Tony Blair’s leadership between 1999 and 2001, he played a leading role in Labour's victory in the 2001 election.
Labour’s new top official 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. Through the strength of our movement, I know we can rise to this challenge.”
Sir Keir commented: "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."
Angela Rayner, the deputy leader, said Mr Evans would “make a fantastic“ General Secretary.
The MP for Ashton under Lyne in Greater Manchester added: “Last year’s election result was devastating for our movement. It is now our duty to work as a team to unite our party, reconnect with the British people and offer the better future that our country deserves.”
Six candidates were shortlisted for the role after Jennie Formby resigned earlier this month.
One of Mr Evan's first challenges will be to respond to the findings of an inquiry by the equalities watchdog into Labour's handling of anti-Semitism cases within the party.
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission's report is due soon with Sir Keir already having committed to the party accepting its recommendations and setting up an independent complaints process.
Euan Phillips, the spokesman for Labour Against anti-Semitism, hailed the new appointment for being "outside the hard left" but warned Mr Evans "now has a huge job to tackle institutional anti-Jewish racism in the party".
He added: "Actions not words will be the measurement of his success."
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