Councillor Patsy Gilroy said she was impressed with the "energy and efficiency" of the authority's roads service.

BBC: Collapsed A708 Moffat to Selkirk road reopens to traffic

The party's deputy leader Patsy McGlone has already said that he would run for the position.

BBC: McDonnell may enter SDLP leadership contest

Patsy McGlone, deputy chairperson of the environment committee also said he was concerned that biodiversity officers had not been consulted on significant proposed changes to the duty by Mr Poots.

BBC: Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill