Naomi Long formally confirmed as new Alliance leader
First woman leader says party’s focus must be wider than tackling sectarian division
New Alliance leader Naomi Long: says predecessor David Ford left party “in good health and in good spirits”. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The Alliance Party offers a vision of a “progressive, liberal, fair and open” society, Naomi Long has said after she was formally confirmed as the new party leader.
More than 130 members of the party’s ruling council gathered in her East Belfast constituency in the Park Avenue Hotel to unanimously and enthusiastically endorse her as successor to David Ford. She was the only candidate.