Colum Eastwood’s Blunt Refusal of a Knighthood Offer
Not long ago, Colum Eastwood, the former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party and MP for Foyle, revealed something that caught a lot of people off guard—he had once been offered a knighthood, and he turned it down without a second thought. In fact, it wasn’t just a polite “no, thank you.” According to Eastwood, the offer came from a politician at Westminster during the time the Conservatives were in power, and his reaction involved what he politely calls “choice language.” He even asked the person if they had any idea who they were talking to, making it clear that the notion of accepting such a title was completely out of the question for him.
The conversation didn’t end there. The same politician then floated the idea of him joining the Privy Council instead. Eastwood, never one to shy away from direct talk, suggested they could forget the titles and instead “throw in a few quid for Derry” from the Towns Fund. That cheeky remark wasn’t just talk—he says £20 million for Derry was secured off the back of that exchange. So, no knighthood, but a tangible win for his hometown.
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In the same interview on the BBC’s Red Lines podcast, Eastwood spoke candidly about the current state of Northern Ireland’s politics. Surprisingly, he admitted that sometimes it’s easier to get things done for Derry when Stormont isn’t functioning at all. In his view, the political gridlock at the Assembly often gets in the way rather than helping. But he also warned that public frustration is reaching a dangerous point—if Stormont collapses again, people might simply decide to leave it down for good, which he believes would be a serious mistake.
Since stepping down as SDLP leader last year after nine years at the helm, Eastwood has been adjusting to a less pressured life. He joked that people keep telling him he looks happier now, as if a weight has been lifted. However, his political journey has not been without personal cost. He spoke openly about the breakdown of his marriage, calling it the hardest thing he has ever gone through. Despite that, he remains on good terms with his ex-wife, and both have moved on with new partners.
Eastwood confirmed that he is now in a relationship with Labour MP Louise Haigh, the former Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary. He described her as strong, outspoken, and willing to risk her political career to stand up for what she believes in—qualities he clearly admires and relates to.
And as for the future, he hasn’t ruled out running for the Irish presidency this year. But one thing is certain: whatever titles might be offered along the way, “Sir Colum” is never going to be one of them.
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