Colum Eastwood addressing supporters at his leadership campaign launch last night
THE battle lines are drawn and Colum Eastwood is now preparing the way to be the next leader of the SDLP.
At a packed event in Belfast last night, the Foyle MLA formally launched his leadership campaign to oust Dr Alasdair McDonnell.
Derry SDLP councillor Brian Tierney, who was at the event, posted on Facebook: “Great night at the launch of #Eastwood4Leader campaign.
“Claire Hanna’s welcome speech set the scene for exciting times ahead.
“Colum gave a passionate and inspirational speech about what we can expect under his leadership.
“He received rapturous applause and a standing ovation from all present. Looking forward to a positive and proactive campaign.”
The election to be the new SDLP leader will take place at the party conference next month.
Among those who attended the event was former SDLP Stormont Minister Brid Rodgers and current deputy leader Dolores Kelly.
In a surprise twist, former Stormont Minister and west Belfast MLA Alex Attwood said he was backing Colum saying he “was the best candidate” to take the party forward into the future.
Colum has the backing of his party in Derry city along with branches across Co Derry.
And from the reaction to last night’s event, Colum is also gaining a lot of support from the party faithful in Belfast.
Lisburn SDLP councillor Pat Catney, a former publican, was also present to cheer on Colum.
SDLP sources said there was now a “groundswell of support” for Colum to take over the reins ahead of next May’s Assembly elections.
“He will be a first class leader. He will also bring a lot of young voters in who feel alienated by the older leadership.
“It is time to look to the future of the party,” added the source.
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