2011 Social Democratic and Labour Party leadership election
An election for the leadership of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) was held 4–5 November 2011. Alasdair McDonnell won the leadership election and was announced the new leader of the SDLP on 5 November 2011. Background. Following poor election results in the 2010 UK general election as well as the 2011 Northern Ireland Assembly election, it was reported that the then-SDLP leader, Margaret Ritchie, faced a leadership challenge from deputy leader Patsy McGlone. McGlone stated at the beginning of August, 2011, that he would challenge Ritchie for the party 's leadership at the annual conference in November. Ritchie subsequently announced on 8 September 2011, that she would not run in the coming leadership race. Candidates. Four SDLP members announced they would stand in the leadership election. These were: Results. Below is a table summarising the results of the leadership election. Alasdair McDonnell had the most votes in every round of voting.