Menu
16/11/2015
Colum Eastwood New Leader Of SDLP
Colum Eastwood has been voted to be the new leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
Mr Eastwood defeated Dr Alasdair McDonnell in a vote at the party's annual conference at Armagh City Hotel. He is the youngest ever leader of the SDLP and he won leadership with 172 votes to 133.
The former mayor of L'Derry was elected to the Stormont Assembly four years ago.
Mr Eastwood said: "I am delighted to have been elected to lead the SDLP into what will become a new era of electoral success and renewed commitment to the principles of equality, democracy and progressive politics.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped me during this campaign and to all of our members. I would also like to give recognition to Alasdair whose years of deication and tireless service will ong be remembered. The positive nature of this contest shows the very best of the SDLP in our commitment to transparent and rigorous democracy. Now is the time for us to unite the party, unite the North and unite Ireland
"As a party we have come far and achieved much and now is the time for us to make history again, to take the momentum of this leadership election into next year and make significant gains in the Assembly election. Only then will people have a party in Stormont who has their best interests at heart with the power to change this place for the better."
Tanaiste Joan Burton said: "I want to congratulate Colum Eastwood on his election as the new Leader of the SDLP.
"Colum represents a new generation within the SDLP, one that has emerged in an era after the signing of The Good Friday Agreement.
"He will bring vigour and new thinking to the role and I wish him well for the future.
"The Labour Party values our relationship with the SDLP as sister parties. I look forward to continuing that relationship under Colum's leadership.
"I also want to acknowledge the contribution of Alasdair McDonnell during his term as SDLP leader. I know that he will continue his work in Westminster."
(CD/JP)
Mr Eastwood defeated Dr Alasdair McDonnell in a vote at the party's annual conference at Armagh City Hotel. He is the youngest ever leader of the SDLP and he won leadership with 172 votes to 133.
The former mayor of L'Derry was elected to the Stormont Assembly four years ago.
Mr Eastwood said: "I am delighted to have been elected to lead the SDLP into what will become a new era of electoral success and renewed commitment to the principles of equality, democracy and progressive politics.
"I would like to thank everyone who helped me during this campaign and to all of our members. I would also like to give recognition to Alasdair whose years of deication and tireless service will ong be remembered. The positive nature of this contest shows the very best of the SDLP in our commitment to transparent and rigorous democracy. Now is the time for us to unite the party, unite the North and unite Ireland
"As a party we have come far and achieved much and now is the time for us to make history again, to take the momentum of this leadership election into next year and make significant gains in the Assembly election. Only then will people have a party in Stormont who has their best interests at heart with the power to change this place for the better."
Tanaiste Joan Burton said: "I want to congratulate Colum Eastwood on his election as the new Leader of the SDLP.
"Colum represents a new generation within the SDLP, one that has emerged in an era after the signing of The Good Friday Agreement.
"He will bring vigour and new thinking to the role and I wish him well for the future.
"The Labour Party values our relationship with the SDLP as sister parties. I look forward to continuing that relationship under Colum's leadership.
"I also want to acknowledge the contribution of Alasdair McDonnell during his term as SDLP leader. I know that he will continue his work in Westminster."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 September 2015
Colum Eastwood To Run For Leadership Of The SDLP
MLA Colum Eastwood has confirmed he will run for leadership of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). He also said that he will challenge Alasdair McDonnell at the party's annual conference in November. Speaking to the BBC Mr Eastwood said his challenge "was not personal" and politics needed a "new generation".
Colum Eastwood To Run For Leadership Of The SDLP
MLA Colum Eastwood has confirmed he will run for leadership of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP). He also said that he will challenge Alasdair McDonnell at the party's annual conference in November. Speaking to the BBC Mr Eastwood said his challenge "was not personal" and politics needed a "new generation".
29 August 2024
Colum Eastwood To Stand Down As SDLP Leader
Colum Eastwood is to stand down as leader of the SDLP, stating that he "wants to give someone else a chance" to re-energise the party. Mr Eastwood, who has been party leader for 9 years, made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday, 29 August.
Colum Eastwood To Stand Down As SDLP Leader
Colum Eastwood is to stand down as leader of the SDLP, stating that he "wants to give someone else a chance" to re-energise the party. Mr Eastwood, who has been party leader for 9 years, made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday, 29 August.
25 May 2010
SDLP Unity 'U-Turn' Sees MLA Shunned
There's embarrassment today after a leading north Antrim SDLP politician was forced to withdraw a call for nationalist unity - before being shunned by his own party this afternoon.
SDLP Unity 'U-Turn' Sees MLA Shunned
There's embarrassment today after a leading north Antrim SDLP politician was forced to withdraw a call for nationalist unity - before being shunned by his own party this afternoon.
19 October 2015
SDLP's Dominic Bradley To Retire Next Year
SDLP Assembly Member Dominic Bradley MLA has announced that he is to retire from frontline politics at the next election. Mr Bradley has been an SDLP Assembly Member since 2003. He said he believed it was now time to pass on the baton to other SDLP representatives in the Constituency.
SDLP's Dominic Bradley To Retire Next Year
SDLP Assembly Member Dominic Bradley MLA has announced that he is to retire from frontline politics at the next election. Mr Bradley has been an SDLP Assembly Member since 2003. He said he believed it was now time to pass on the baton to other SDLP representatives in the Constituency.
09 January 2006
Former SDLP councillor's home paint bombed
The home of a former SDLP councillor has suffered damage in an attack in County Tyrone last night. Anne Bell, who is also a former member of the Strabane District Policing Partnership, had three paint bombs thrown at her house on Knockavoe Crescent on the Ballycolman Estate, at around 8pm.
Former SDLP councillor's home paint bombed
The home of a former SDLP councillor has suffered damage in an attack in County Tyrone last night. Anne Bell, who is also a former member of the Strabane District Policing Partnership, had three paint bombs thrown at her house on Knockavoe Crescent on the Ballycolman Estate, at around 8pm.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
