Momentum founder Jon Lansman stands down as leader
'It is time that a new generation of leaders put their ideas into practice,' says left-wing Labour campaigner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jon Lansman, the founder of the left-wing Momentum campaign group, has announced he is standing down as its leader.
In an article for the Labour List website, Mr Lansman, 62, said the time had come to hand over to a new generation of activists.
"We are now a mass of dedicated activists fighting for a better world. And in this new era, it is time that a new generation of leaders put their ideas into practice," he wrote.
"That is why I have decided not to contest the forthcoming elections within Momentum and instead will hand over to a new leadership."
Momentum grew out of the successful campaign to elect Jeremy Corbyn - a long-standing ally Mr Lansman's - leader of the Labour Party in 2015.
It was credited with mobilising tens of thousands of young activists, but was distrusted by many traditional Labour members who accused it of acting as a party within a party.
The failure of Rebecca Long-Bailey - the favourite of the left to succeed Mr Corbyn - to win this year's party leadership election was seen as a sign of its waning influence.
However, Mr Lansman insisted that it had changed the party for good.
"Thanks to our movement, Labour can never again be the party of illegal invasions, anti-immigration mugs or support for Tory policies of austerity and privatisation," he said.
"The Labour Party is now much closer to being a socialist party than simply a party with socialists in it."
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments