In a recent press meeting held in Derry, the leader of SDLP, Colum Eastwood, has formally declared his intent to step down as the head of the party. Eastwood expressed his gratitude for having had the honour to lead the party he joined in his early teens for nearly ten years.
Eastwood relayed his intentions to the party chairman of resigning his leadership at the party convention scheduled for October 5th. However, he reassured that he would retain his post as the MP for Foyle. He acknowledged the considerable alterations that have occurred in recent years and the volatility following Brexit but identified them as windows of opportunity.
He expressed his resolve as a representative seeking change, to forge a new path for Ireland, and to campaign for change across the island. He affirmed his need for time and space to fully dedicate his efforts towards these objectives.
Eastwood, who has been serving as the party leader since 2015, succeeded Alasdair McDonnell after a narrow victory in the leadership race by less than 40 votes. Among the potential successors to Eastwood’s position, Claire Hanna is a considerable contender. Currently, Hanna holds the position of the party’s deputy leader and is also the MP for South Belfast and Mid Down.
Eastwood secured his position again as the MP for the Foyle constituency by a majority of over 4,000 votes at the beginning of July. He conveyed his gratitude to the residents of Derry for choosing him as their representative in Westminster and pledged to continue advocating for them and echoing their voices assertively. Further updates will follow.