Joan Burton has confirmed she is stepping down as leader of the Labour Party

Joan Burton has confirmed she is to step down as leader of the Labour Party once a successor for her role is in place.

She made the announcement today at a press conference following a party meeting, RTE report. Alan Kelly and Sean Sherlock are tipped to be the main contenders for the job.

"For many people and many families we could not deliver quickly enough" - Burton pic.twitter.com/jowKFP2wpc

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) May 10, 2016

She does not intend to be involved in the selection process for the role. Pat Rabbitte has stated that Brendan Howlin would be his first choice to succeed Burton.