Colum Eastwood at his press conference today in Derry
He made the announcement at a press conference in the Waterside area of Derry.
Claire Hanna MP is the front runner to take over the party reins during a leadership election at the party’s annual conference this September.
Mr Eastwood told the assembled med that it has “been the priviledge of his life” to serve as the Foyle MP and says he will continue in the role.
Speaking about what’s next for his political career Mr Eastwood says working on a New Ireland is his focus.
“It has been unstable since Brexit but it’s a moment of opportunity of the three strands of the Good Friday agreement – this is a big moment of change for this island,” he said.
“I want to give my full commitment to this – for developing and making a new Ireland. I need to have the space and time to do that.
“I want to be a voice for leading change for a new Ireland.”
He said he is “very passionate about his work” and will make a case for a new Ireland.
He added that he will continue to support the party.
“I look forward to working with the new leader – to support the new leader.
“We have strong connections. It’s now – after a long period in leadership – to re-energise the party.”
The Foyle MP said he joined the party at 14 under then-leader John Hume and says it has been a privilege to follow in his footsteps.
He defended his tenure in the role and that he will support whoever takes over the reins of a party he holds very dear to his heart.
Mr Eastwood was asked about elections and how the party has moved in time.
He replied the SDLP has seen many changes.
“When I took this job – the party was in a bad place – we brought in a new generation of people – we took progressive views and I think we brought the party back to its radical beginnings.
“But now it’s time for somebody else will have to take that forward – it’s been a difficult time for the middle ground.”
Mr Eastwood says that the SDLP helped to “end the Anglo-Irish conflict” and “set the parameters for what became the Good Friday Agreement”.
Since then, Mr Eastwood says that Northern Ireland has seen “enormous change in our society” and that it is now time to “set out the case” for “building a new Ireland”.
Mr Eastwood said that the SDLP is best when dealing with the “big issues”.
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