Ritchie sets out leadership bid

Margaret Ritchie is standing for the leadership of the SDLP

The SDLP's Margaret Ritchie has formally launched her leadership bid for the party.

The social development minister set out her vision for the future of the SDLP at an event in Belfast.

She told party members as leader, "a top priority will be to rebuild the SDLP organisation".

Nominations for the leadership opened on 1 November and the vote will be held in February at the party's annual conference.

Ms Ritchie said there would be "three pillars of my leadership, bound together in one coherent vision for the future".

"A prosperous, increasingly independent economy that lifts the lives and wellbeing of all.

"A genuinely shared society for every citizen. And in time, a united Ireland.

"We alone can deliver this vision. So we must make sure we are fit for purpose to deliver."

Ms Ritchie is the only SDLP member to sit on the Northern Ireland Executive. She took up office in May 2007 and is also an assembly member for South Down.

In October, the SDLP's deputy leader announced his decision to fight for the party's leadership.

South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell, told party members "if you are ambitious for the party, come with me".

In September, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said he intended to stand aside as party leader after the next Westminster election, which is expected around May next year.

Mr Durkan said he would defend his Westminster seat but did not believe he should continue to hold a dual mandate at the Stormont Assembly.

The 49-year-old replaced John Hume as leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 2001.