Jon Lansman pulls out of Labour general secretary contest

The Momentum founder, Jon Lansman, has abandoned his attempt to become Labour’s general secretary but reiterated his opposition to a coronation for Jeremy Corbyn’s favoured candidate, saying the party’s “command and control” culture must end.

Lansman’s decision to stand against Unite’s Jennie Formby exposed tensions between Corbyn and his close allies, and Momentum’s vision for Labour as a social movement led by members, rather than unions having significant sway.

He was understood to have faced intense pressure from some of Corbyn’s allies to not stand to replace the outgoing Iain McNicol over concerns that this could split the left-leaning vote on the ruling national executive committee, which will make the decision.

In a tweeted statement, Lansman said he was withdrawing from the contest, but only after “a number of party members” had got in touch to say they were applying. Lansman said he hoped more would do so – especially women.

He said he had decided to stand to “open up the contest, instigate a debate about how the Labour party can develop” and encourage more members to apply.

Source: theguardian