Claire Hanna to replace Colum Eastwood as next leader of the SDLP

Outgoing leader Colum Eastwood announced last week he was leaving the role following nine years

Claire Hanna will now proceed for ratification by party members at the SDLP conference on October 5.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna is set to become the next leader of the SDLP after she was the only candidate for the role when nominations closed.

A party statement said Ms Hanna had received the required nominations from SDLP constituency branches and support groups.