
The Sydney Russell School is immensely proud to congratulate our former student, Hollie Ridley, General Secretary of the Labour Party, as she steps down from the role following the Labour Party Conference later this month.
Hollie’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, hard work and a commitment to making a difference. Raised in Dagenham, she has spoken proudly of the community that shaped her and of the importance of ensuring that young people from working-class backgrounds see that leadership and public service are within their reach.
After joining the Labour Party as a trainee organiser in 2011, Hollie built a career in campaigning and political organisation. She held a range of senior roles, including regional director and Executive Director of Nations and Regions, before leading the Party’s field campaign during the 2024 General Election. In September 2024, she was appointed General Secretary of the Labour Party.
Throughout her career, Hollie has remained connected to the values and community that helped shape her. Her story is a source of real inspiration to our students: a young person from Dagenham who began her journey at SRS and went on to reach one of the most senior positions in British political life.
We are delighted to celebrate Hollie’s achievements and thank her for being such a wonderful example of ambition, resilience and service to others. Everyone at The Sydney Russell School wishes her every happiness and success as she begins her next chapter.
#ProudToBeSRS #MadeInDagenham #SRSSuccess
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The Guardian, “Keir Starmer ally Hollie Ridley to step down as Labour general secretary”, 3 July 2026.
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LabourList, “Hollie Ridley approved by NEC as Labour’s new General Secretary”, 17 September 2024.
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LabourList, “New general secretary Hollie Ridley tells conference: ‘Winning is personal to me’”, 22 September 2024.
