A well known Blue is now a prominent Red after high profile Chester FC fan David Evans was appointed general secretary of the Labour Party.
David was Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s preferred choice and the decision strengthens his grip on the party.
In Chester, David is best known for his commitment to the football club he has supported since childhood and it’s fair to say he has witnessed the highs and the all the too many lows.
That includes being present in the High Court when his beloved Chester City FC was wound up in 2010.
But he was involved in setting up the Independent Supporters Association (ISA) which led to the formation of City Fans United and creation of the fan-owned model held so dear among many supporters.
Today David, a former club director, who is chair of the trustees of Chester FC Community Trust and a member of Chester Exiles, lives in London but regularly travels up with his brother Robert for home games and also attends many away games.
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On his appointment, he said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed general secretary of the Labour Party.
“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.
“I look forward to working with our party, trade unions and members to build a team that can win us the next general election and give us the opportunity to once again serve the British people in government.”
Born in Chester, David moved to London with his family when he was three but returned to the city for most school holidays. He was taken to the old Sealand Road ground by his dad and grandad and became ‘hooked’. His first ever game was away to Aldershot in the 1967-68 season.
Jim Green, chief executive of Chester FC’s Community Trust, has worked closely with him.
He said: “He’s an exceptionally nice guy and is Chester FC through and through and Labour through and through. Having worked alongside him over the last 10 years, I can say he is full of enthusiasm, full of ideas and he understands people – because not everybody does. I wish him all the best in the role.”
David Evans previously spent 15 years working for the Labour Party including five years as director of the party in the North West. He rose to the position of assistant general secretary (1999-2001) and had responsibility for the organisation of the 2001 general election campaign won by Tony Blair.
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In a change of direction he then set up communications business The Campaign Company working across the political spectrum with local authorities, health and third sector bodies.
Welcoming his appointment is fellow Blues fan and Chester Labour MP Chris Matheson who said David is no prima donna and he has seen him on match days going round with a bucket raising funds for the club.
He said: “I think it’s fantastic news and I’m delighted. It’s great for Labour, it’s great for Chester and it’s a great day for David Evans. He’s a real professional, he knows Chester really well and he’s right at the heart of fan ownership of Chester FC and is absolutely committed to Chester FC.”
