The Co-operative Party

The National Executive Committee has appointed a new General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, following the departure of Michael Stephenson in April.

Karin Christiansen is taking over the role after over a decade working in international development. She has a long history in the Labour Party, including as founder of Labour Values and a contributor to many publications.

After 95 years, the Co-operative Party has appointed its first woman as General Secretary.

Karin will be coming on board over the summer and members will soon have a chance to meet her at Annual Conference in September in Manchester. Karin will then formally take over the responsibilities of General Secretary after Conference.

Gareth Thomas MP, Chair of the Co-operative Party, said:

“The NEC interviewed a very strong field of candidates for the position and am delighted that our Party attracted such interest. I look forward to working with Karin and the staff and all of you at this exciting time for our Party and the movement.”

Karin said:

“It is a great privilege to be joining the Co-operative Party as General Secretary. I am honoured to be taking over this role from Michael Stephenson, who has served the Party and continues to serves the co-operative movement with such distinction.

“The Co-operative Party is a powerful voice for change in the way we run our economy and the way we conduct our politics. The values and principles of co-operation need to be embedded in our country, our communities and throughout our institutions.

“I am looking forward to working with the members of the Co-operative Party and the broader movement as well as the excellent team Michael and the National Executive Committee have built to do this.”