SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood to Resign After Nine Years

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is set to announce his resignation after nine years in the role. The 41-year-old politician is expected to confirm his departure during a news conference in Derry today at noon.

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SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood Grapples with Major Electoral Losses in Recent Years

Eastwood, who took over the SDLP leadership in 2015, has been a prominent figure in Northern Irish politics. He won the Foyle seat back from Sinn Féin in 2019 with a significant majority, though this was reduced in the latest Westminster election.

Having been with the party since 1998, Eastwood was inspired by former leaders John Hume and Seamus Mallon. Despite his long tenure, recent electoral results have been challenging for the SDLP.

In the 2022 Stormont Assembly election, the party lost four seats, finishing with eight. The subsequent council elections saw the SDLP lose 20 seats, leaving them in fifth place among the main parties.

Though Eastwood retained his MP seat, his party has struggled against Sinn Féin’s growing dominance. Speculation about his successor includes SDLP MP Claire Hanna and Stormont leader Matthew O’Toole.

Eastwood’s resignation coincides with the Ulster Unionists also seeking a new leader, following Doug Beattie’s departure. Mike Nesbitt, a former leader, is expected to replace him.