Ritchie to run for SDLP leadership
Northern Ireland Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie is to bid for leadership of the SDLP.
The south Down MLA said she enjoyed the support of half the nationalist party’s Assembly members following Mark Durkan’s decision to stand down when the annual conference takes place in February.
Nominations for the election open on November 1 and Ms Ritchie said she was looking to the future.
“I have a comprehensive plan for the renewal of the party and an exciting vision for the way forward,” she said.
“I will be setting out that vision to the broad party membership and to the wider public thereafter.”
Mr Durkan’s announcement earlier this month that he was stepping down as leader to concentrate on the fight for re-election to his Foyle Westminster seat has led to tensions within the SDLP.
South Belfast doctor and MP Alasdair McDonnell is another possible candidate for the top job.
Ms Ritchie made the announcement in the Stormont Assembly’s Great Hall. She was backed by fellow MLAs including Alex Attwood and Tommy Gallagher and is the first candidate to offer herself for selection.
“I will be putting my name forward as soon as those nominations open on the first of November,” she said.
“I quite clearly am putting my name in the hat for nomination for leader and am asking all branches of the SDLP to positively and favourably consider me for the leadership of the SDLP.”
