Colum Eastwood Resigns as SDLP Leader

Colum Eastwood is set to announce his resignation as leader of the SDLP, a position he has held since 2015, during a press conference in Derry. Despite retaining his Westminster seat with a reduced majority, the party has struggled electorally, finishing fifth in the 2022 Assembly elections and suffering significant losses in the recent council elections. Eastwood's tenure has been marked by declining support, with the party's vote share dropping from 15% to 11% in the latest Westminster election. Claire Hanna is seen as the frontrunner to succeed him, with unanimous support expected from SDLP representatives. Eastwood plans to remain active in politics and support the new leader while focusing on advocating for a united Ireland. His resignation comes amidst a period of instability for the party, including the recent departure of its chief executive.