A rotary electric machine comprises a rotor rotatable within a stator assembly, the stator assembly comprising a stator body defining a plurality of stator slots accommodating electrical conductors, a slot liner being provided within each slot to provide electrical insulation between the stator body and the electrical conductors, wherein each slot liner protrudes from an end of the stator slot and carries an armor element to protect the slot liner and associated conductors from erosion while permitting efficient cooling.