The SDLP has announced a reorganization of its official opposition team as the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont resumes after the summer break. The party, which became the official opposition in 2022, aims to strengthen its position to hold the Executive accountable. In the reshuffle, Mark H Durkan MLA is now responsible for Communities, while Patsy McGlone MLA takes on the Justice portfolio. Daniel McCrossan MLA will oversee Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, and Justin McNulty MLA assumes the Infrastructure brief. Colin McGrath MLA remains the Health spokesperson and joins the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP expressed confidence in the revamped team, emphasizing the party’s commitment to demonstrating that politics can transcend division and foster a fairer society. Opposition Leader Matthew O’Toole MLA criticized the current Executive’s performance, highlighting issues like failing public services and environmental crises. He stressed the importance of the SDLP’s role in demanding better governance and proposing solutions to pressing challenges, such as childcare costs, healthcare, housing, and environmental protection.
The revised SDLP opposition team includes Matthew O’Toole MLA as Leader of the Opposition and Finance Spokesperson, Sinéad McLaughlin MLA for Economy and the Executive Office, Colin McGrath MLA for Health, Mark H Durkan MLA for Communities, Daniel McCrossan MLA for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Cara Hunter MLA for Education, Patsy McGlone MLA for Justice, and Justin McNulty MLA for Infrastructure.
