Claire Aisling Hanna (born 19 June 1980) is an Irish politician who has served as Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) since 5 October 2024 following her successful candidacy in the 2024 leadership election.

Hanna previously served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Belfast South from 2015 until her election to Westminster in 2019.

[4] Hanna's professional background is in international development, latterly in a policy and education role, and included work in Bangladesh, Haiti and Zambia.

[13] Hanna had herself been more closely associated with the Irish Labour Party and Fine Gael, and had canvassed in support of them in the past.

[14] At the 2019 general election, she became the MP for Belfast South, capturing the seat from the incumbent, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP.

However, Hanna caused controversy when she affirmed allegiance to the Queen, and then lodged a "respectful protest" against her pledge the following day.