Joan Burton resignation to kickstart leadership battle

Ex-tánaiste Joan Burton will announce her resignation as Labour leader today, opening the way for at least two of her most senior colleagues to fight it out for the future of the former government junior partner.

The former social protection minister will confirm she is stepping down at a private meeting of TDs and senators this afternoon following weeks of speculation following the party’s disastrous election result.

The decision, which in recent weeks Ms Burton has accepted is inevitable after claims she was trying to cling onto power, will bring to an end three months of a phoney war between her closest rivals.