Colum Eastwood has been the leader of the SDLP since taking over from Alasdair McDonnell in 2015. The 36-year-old, who became an MLA for Foyle in 2011, was the party's candidate in the European Parliament election earlier this year. He is seeking to retake the Westminster seat, which former leader Mark Durkan dramatically lost to Sinn Fein in 2017. In 2010, Mr Eastwood became Derry's youngest ever Mayor at the age of 27.
Constituency: Foyle
| Electorate | Seats | Total Poll | Turnout | Valid Poll | Spoiled Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74,346 | 1 | 47,370 | 63.72% | 47,144 | 226 |
Vote Distribution
Left Right
Count Results
| Candidate | 1 |
|---|---|
|
|
26881 |
|
|
9771 |
|
|
4773 |
|
|
2032 |
|
|
1332 |
|
|
1267 |
|
|
1088 |
On the Ballot
Rachael Ferguson was elected as a councillor for the first time earlier this year, representing the Faughan electoral area on Derry City and Strabane District Council. The mother of two is the director of the Tiny Tots community group and a board member of Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group. She is also co-founder of an online support group for mothers.
Darren Guy was elected to Derry City and Strabane District Council earlier this year, topping the poll in the Waterside electoral area. The son of the late Mayor of Derry City Council, Jim Guy, he is a self-employed taxi-driver.
People Before Profit Alliance councillor Shaun Harkin represents the Foyleside electoral area on Derry City and Strabane District Council. A long-time socialist organiser, trade unionist and writer, he is a member of the Socialist Workers Party, the People Before Profit Alliance, and UNISON Community Branch. He was the campaign organiser for Eamonn McCann's successful election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2016.
Sinn Fein's Elisha McCallion caused one of the biggest shocks of the 2017 General Election when she became the MP for Foyle with a majority of 169 votes, taking the seat from SDLP stalwart Mark Durkan. Earlier that year, she had topped the poll in a snap Assembly election, securing the late Martin McGuinness's seat in the constituency. The former MLA was the first Mayor of the new Derry City and Strabane District Council on its formation in 2015.
Dr Anne McCloskey is one of seven Aontu candidates contesting the December 12 election. The pro-life republican party was formed in January. It is contesting the poll on an abstentionist ticket. The former GP is the party deputy leader. She was elected onto Derry City and Strabane Council in May's local government election, representing the Ballyarnett area.
Gary Middleton was co-opted to the Northern Ireland Assembly in April 2015 to replace Maurice Devenney and was subsequently elected in May 2016 and again in March 2017. Before being an MLA, he was elected to Derry City Council in 2011 and served as deputy mayor. He was also elected to the new Derry City and Strabane District Council and appointed DUP Group leader in 2014.
- Awaiting Results
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Sinn Fein
- Social Democratic and Labour Party
- Alliance Party
