Durkan tipped for SDLP leadership

The Minister for Finance in the Stormont executive, Mark Durkan, is now firm favourite to take over as leader of the SDLP.

Mr Durkan, from Derry, is expected shortly to announce that he will run for the leader's position, vacated with the resignation of John Hume.

Mr Durkan became the frontrunner after deputy leader Seamus Mallon ruled himself out of the race.

It is understood that Mr Durkan will be unchallenged for the position. Nominations close on Friday.