Colum Eastwood is to resign as leader of the SDLP on Thursday, BBC News NI understands.

Mr Eastwood became leader of the party in 2015 and is the MP for Foyle.

The Irish News first reported the decision that he is to announce he is stepping down at a press conference on Thursday.

His resignation comes just eight weeks after he retained his Westminster seat with a reduced majority of 4,166.

While the party also retained its seat in South Belfast & Mid Down, the overall general election result was regarded as disappointing for the SDLP, which lost substantial ground in South Down and Upper Bann.

Mr Eastwood has been leader of the SDLP since 2015.

It is understood that Mr Eastwood will remain as leader until a successor is chosen by the party.

It is expected that a replacement will be named in time for the party’s annual conference in October.