Claire Hanna Endorsed as Next SDLP Leader

Claire Hanna, 44, has been endorsed as the sole candidate to succeed Colum Eastwood as the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) after nominations closed, and she will be formally ratified at the party's annual conference on October 5. Hanna received nominations from all eligible SDLP constituency branches and support groups, affirming her position as the next leader. Outgoing leader Eastwood, who announced his resignation after nine years, publicly supported Hanna, calling her the best option for the party. Hanna, a long-time member of the SDLP and a prominent MP, acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed her readiness to motivate and organize the party. The SDLP has faced a decline in influence since the 2000s, currently holding two MP positions and not being part of the powersharing coalition at Stormont. If ratified, Hanna will become the second woman to lead the SDLP, following Margaret Ritchie.