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SDLP MP launches leadership bid SDLP MP launches leadership bid
(40 minutes later)
The SDLP's deputy leader has announced his decision to fight for the leadership of the party.The SDLP's deputy leader has announced his decision to fight for the leadership of the party.
Alasdair McDonnell formally declared his intention at a news conference in Belfast on Tuesday.Alasdair McDonnell formally declared his intention at a news conference in Belfast on Tuesday.
The South Belfast MP said he believed he had the support of a majority of SDLP MLAs but said his campaign would be aimed at the party's grass roots.
Announcing his decision, Mr McDonnell told party members "if you are ambitious for the party, come with me".
The party's South Belfast MP is a veteran of the party and has a reputation for being a good organiser.The party's South Belfast MP is a veteran of the party and has a reputation for being a good organiser.
His competition is the party's South Down MLA Margaret Ritchie who enjoys a high profile as minister for Social Development.His competition is the party's South Down MLA Margaret Ritchie who enjoys a high profile as minister for Social Development.
Mr McDonnell said he believed he had the support of a majority of SDLP MLAs but said his campaign would be aimed at the party's grass roots. Mr McDonnell was asked why he thought he would make a better leader than Margaret Ritchie.
Announcing his decision, the South Belfast MP told party members "if you are ambitious for the party, come with me". He said he was proud of the fact that he was "one of the people who lobbied hardest to make her a minister and she is doing a very good job there".
But he said the job of leading the SDLP "is a different job from being a minister and I believe that I have the skills, the energy, the determination to put the SDLP back in a position where I want to see it".
Nominations open on 1 November and the vote will be held next February at the party's annual conference.Nominations open on 1 November and the vote will be held next February at the party's annual conference.
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.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 Foyle seat but did not believe he should continue to hold a dual mandate at the Stormont Assembly.Mr Durkan said he would defend his Foyle 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.The 49-year-old replaced John Hume as leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 2001.