New SDLP deputy leader named

South Belfast GP Alasdair McDonnell was today elected the new deputy leader of the nationalist SDLP in Northern Ireland.

Dr McDonnell beat off the challenge from two senior party colleagues to replace Brid Rodgers as Mark Durkan’s number two.

The 54-year-old member of the Stormont assembly was voted in on the second count at the SDLP’s annual conference in Belfast.

Fellow MLAs Alban Maginness and John Dallat had also stood for the post.