Colum Eastwood: ‘It is time for me to step aside’

Eastwood, who has been an MP for Foyle since 2019, stated that he wants to focus on his parliamentary duties and his role with the New Ireland Commission, an initiative he founded to explore the potential for Irish reunification. He will formally resign at the upcoming SDLP conference on October 5, allowing time for a new leader to be elected. In his announcement, he emphasized the demands of daily party management, remarking, “Some people maybe don’t realize how much effort you have to put in to the day-to-day running of a political party.”

Discussing his potential successor, Eastwood voiced strong support for Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down, stating she would be “far and away the best option for members.” He expressed hope that Hanna would put her name forward for the leadership role, adding, “If this is my opportunity to be the first person to endorse Claire Hanna, I’ll absolutely take it.”

The announcement triggered a range of reactions from political figures across Ireland and the UK. Michelle O’Neill, First Minister and leader of Sinn Féin, extended her best wishes to Eastwood, acknowledging their collaborative efforts in maintaining the political structures in Northern Ireland and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement. Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), praised Eastwood’s continued commitment to representing Foyle in Westminster, while Simon Harris, Ireland’s Taoiseach, highlighted Eastwood’s contributions as a “progressive, responsible, and pragmatic voice.”

Members from other parties also responded. Stephen Farry, Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party, noted their productive cooperation on various issues. Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Steve Aiken and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn commended Eastwood’s leadership, with Benn expressing anticipation for working with his successor.

Eastwood’s decision to resign comes shortly after the SDLP’s mixed results in recent elections. Despite retaining key seats in South Belfast and Mid Down, the party experienced setbacks in South Down and Upper Bann, reflecting a challenging political landscape.

At just 41, Eastwood is already a veteran of Northern Irish politics. Joining the SDLP in 1998, he became the youngest mayor of Derry City at 27 and later secured a seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly. In 2015, he successfully challenged Alasdair McDonnell for the SDLP leadership, bringing renewed attention to the party. His leadership was marked by efforts to reclaim the Foyle Westminster seat from Sinn Féin in 2019, which he achieved with a significant majority.

Michael McBride, reporting from Derry

John and Lee Mitchell said they were both stunned to hear the news.

Both traditionally SDLP voters, they said the news had “caught them off guard”.

Lee Mitchell said she hoped Claire Hanna takes over as party leader, saying she is “a very competent operator” and could improve the fortunes of the party which has struggled electorally in recent times.

“I think another woman in charge never is a bad thing,” she said.

Phil Langman, from Liverpool, who has lived in the city for 26 years, said Mr Eastwood had been a fantastic leader, but understood why he thinks now is the right time to step aside.

“I think he’s a fantastic MP, he seems like a decent man, but it must take its toll fronting a political party,” he added.

“I think anyone following in the footsteps of people like John Hume as leader will always struggle to make as much of a mark on politics here like he did.”

Trevor and Ann Porter said whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill.

Ann said the party had not been fortunate in recent elections, but still felt the Foyle MP was the best man to “steer the ship” in the years ahead.

However, one man, who did not want to give his name, said Mr Eastwood will not be missed.

“They are a dying party. I’ll absolutely not miss him,” he told BBC News NI.