South Belfast SDLP councillor Claire Hanna will replace party leader Alasdair McDonnell as an MLA
SDLP councillor Claire Hanna has been selected to take over the Northern Ireland Assembly seat held by party leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell.
South Belfast MP Dr McDonnell resigned as an MLA on 21 June. He will remain an MP and has said he will not give up his leadership of the party.
Ms Hanna's selection was approved by South Belfast SDLP members.
She was also chosen, along with current MLA Fearghal McKinney, to run in the 2016 assembly election.
Ms Hanna said: "I'm committed to the challenges of defending the SDLP's second seat in this constituency, refocusing our party and restoring public faith in local politics, which has been in decline for a number of years."
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell resigned as an MLA on 21 June
Dr McDonnell said his 17 years representing South Belfast as an MLA had been "an honour".
"I know Claire will serve our constituents with the same dedication and passion that she has demonstrated so often in council," he said.
"In Claire and Fearghal we have selected the two strongest choices of any party in South Belfast.
"I am confident that they will be successful in retaining two seats in this constituency in 2016, and continue to provide people here with effective representation and progressive politics."
- Published11 May 2015
