SDLP LEADER and new South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has announced that she is to stand down as the North’s Minister for Social Development.
The SDLP Assembly member for West Belfast Alex Attwood will replace her as the party’s sole member of the Northern Executive.
Prior to the election Ms Ritchie said she would resign her ministry if she were elected as MP for South Down. “I wish Alex all the best in his new role. His political pedigree is first class and I have no doubt he will prove a talented and able minister,” she said.
Mr Attwood said he was honoured to accept the social development ministry. “I intend to build upon Margaret’s legacy in the department and representing an area of high deprivation I know exactly the amount of work there is still to do,” he said.
Mr Attwood added, “Fair access to housing was one of the major civil rights issues that led to the formation of the SDLP. Margaret Ritchie has led the way in delivering her new housing agenda.
“I fully intend to continue her work and will do everything possible to secure the resources needed to deliver the SDLP housing vision – a decent home for everyone.” Mr Attwood (51) is a long-standing senior member of the SDLP.
