Matthew O’Toole backs Claire Hanna to take over as SDLP leader

The SDLP’s Stormont leader Matthew O’Toole has backed Claire Hanna to take over from party leader Colum Eastwood, after he said he would stand down.

Mr O’Toole said Ms Hanna, the South Belfast and Mid Down MP, is the best person to build a coalition for an “inclusive new Ireland”.

Mr Eastwood announced on Thursday he was standing down after nine years as leader, saying it was time for a change at the top of the party.

Mr Eastwood will formally resign at the party conference in October. He has already endorsed Ms Hanna as his potential successor.

Ms Hanna has not commented publicly, other than a social media post in which she said she would have more to say in the coming days after speaking to her family and team.

Mr O’Toole is the party’s other high-profile figure, leading the team of eight MLAs in opposition at Stormont.

Asked if he would run for leader, he told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme: “When there is a vacancy like this, the most important…

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