[10] In the run-up to the 2016 Assembly elections, local members registered a new party, the Northern Ireland Labour Representation Committee, with the Electoral Commission recognising them in April 2016.

The party's constitution has a clause stating that it will disband once Labour lifts the ban on contesting elections in Northern Ireland.

Several former members of the Northern Ireland Labour Party hold membership, including Erskine Holmes and Douglas McIldoon.

[11] Johnston highlighted policy differences with the SDLP, including Labour's position on abortion, same-sex marriage and support for an integrated and secular education system.

His speech focused on restoring devolved government – after it had been in a political deadlock since the 2017 assembly election – and mitigating disruption to Northern Ireland caused by Brexit.

[20] His speech was 'broadly well received';[21] however, there was some upset caused within the regional Labour Party, as he did not visit any of the branches or executive committee in this time.

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph former Labour MP Kate Hoey called this decision "disappointing".