In the 18 constituencies of Northern Ireland, only one underwent boundary alterations severe enough to necessitate a name change – Belfast South turned into Belfast South and Mid Down. It shed approximately 10% of the past constituency, which transferred into Belfast East, while acquiring areas from Lagan Valley and Strangford. Nevertheless, the SDLP’s Claire Hanna was re-elected as the MP, with no modification in the area’s representation.
Hanna’s election signs have been ever-present in South Belfast since the election’s proclamation, with her name and photo gaining more attention than her political affiliation, indicative of her large personal electorate. This is backed up by her considerably large victory margin, securing 49% of the vote and 21,345 ballots, more than double that of her closest rival, Alliance’s Kate Nicholl.
Despite the four-part division at the Assembly level in her constituency — two held by Alliance and one each by the SDLP, DUP, and Sinn Féin, it seems that Hanna’s reputation serves as the unifying aspect at Westminster. Following Labour’s overwhelming victory in Britain, Hanna has forecasted a “step change” in how London perceives the North, stating that Labour leader Keir Starmer, a previous Northern Ireland Policing Board employee, “undoubtedly has an institutional memory and a bond with Northern Ireland, which is shared by many others”. Hanna expressed belief in the willingness of others to understand more and provide assistance. A supplementary report was provided by PA.