Claire Hanna MP is the current Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), taking up this role in October 2024. Claire’s political career began with her election to Belfast City Council in 2011. She then served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Belfast South from 2015 to 2019. In December 2019, she was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Belfast South and Mid Down. In Parliament, Claire serves on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

Her professional background includes international development work in Bangladesh, Haiti, and Zambia, and a tenure as a campaigns officer for Concern Worldwide.

She is an avid reader, participates regularly in park runs, and is actively engaged in Northern Ireland's vibrant arts and music scene.