Speculation has begun about who will replace him in the party's top job
Colum Eastwood is to step down at a Derry press conference today. The Foyle MP has been the party's leader since 2015.It is understood a successor will be named before the party holds its annual conference in October with suggestions fellowBelfast SDLP councillor, Séamas de Faoite, took to X to thank Mr Eastwood for his leadership. He said: "Thank you for giving leadership and voice to the SDLP ’s vision and values during the chaotic Brexit years.
Addressing press in Derry, Colum Eastwood said "it has been a great privilege to the be the leader of a party that I joined when I was 14 or 15 years old under John Hume to fight for the Good Friday Agreement, to support the work of what I think is the most successful political party on these islands".
"I set up the New Ireland Commission because I could see the challenge and the opportunity ahead," he added. He has worked in politics in NI since 2005, starting out at Derry City Council aged 22. He became the city's youngest ever Mayor in 2010 and served for a year before being elected as an MLA and eventually MP. He has two daughters and separated from his wife in 2022.Colum Eastwood became the party's youngest ever leader when he took up the role in 2015. The now 41-year-old took over from Alasdair McDonnell following a leadership contest.
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