The general secretary of the Labour party, Iain McNicol, has stood down “to pursue new challenges” after serving for a “tumultuous seven years”.

In a statement, issued late on Friday, Mr McNicol said he would continue to work “in the service” of the party.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn thanked him for his service, adding he had been “a credit to our movement”.

The Conservatives said Mr McNicol had been toppled after “persistent attempts” by supporters of Mr Corbyn.

A spokesman said: “Iain McNicol’s departure shows once again that Labour are putting their own bitter internal politics before ordinary people and their priorities.”

Mr Corbyn praised the former trade union official’s long and dedicated service.

“He has run our party’s organisation at a time of great change, including a near tripling of the membership, two general elections and the EU referendum,” he said.

Mr McNicol said he would continue to support Mr Corbyn’s leadership and work closely with him.

A number of Labour MPs have paid tribute to Mr McNicol, with Chuka Umunna saying the party owed him “a huge debt of gratitude”.

Labour said officers of the party will meet to decide the process for the election of a successor.