Colum Eastwood Steps Down as SDLP Leader After Nine Years

Eastwood endorses Claire Hanna as successor, aims to focus on uniting Ireland post-Brexit.

Colum Eastwood became the SDLP's youngest leader in 2015, succeeding Alasdair McDonnell.
Despite gains in Westminster, the SDLP struggled in Northern Ireland Assembly elections under his leadership.
Eastwood's tenure saw the SDLP form and later dissolve a partnership with Fianna Fail.
Claire Hanna, South Belfast MP, is seen as the leading candidate to replace Eastwood.
Eastwood plans to continue serving as an MP and contribute to the New Ireland commission.