He was declared the new deputy leader at the SDLP's annual conference in Newcastle, Co Down, at the weekend.

Meanwhile new SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie has vowed to restore her party to its former glory.

The Social Development Minister defeated South Belfast MP and former deputy leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell for the role following a vote at the conference.

Ms Ritchie takes on the leadership of the SDLP at a crucial time in Northern Ireland following the agreement by the DUP and Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice powers.

During his speech at the conference Mr McGlone said community engagement is the bedrock of the SDLP.

"In my time as a public representative I have worked with many community groups like the GAA, churches of many different denominations, local support groups, campaign groups, school groups and social organisations. And each of these play an important role within our society and with our elected representatives," he said.

"The new SDLP leadership team will expect increased and improved performance from our elected representatives. Community engagement is the bedrock of the SDLP. And that is how we will take the party forward. That is how we will take Irish society forward and that is how we will take Irish politics forward."

Mr McGlone stepped down as a councillor on Cookstown District Council late last year to concentrate on Assembly duties. He was first elected in 1993 and was returned in each successive election. He also held the post of Chairman of Cookstown District Council in 2002-03 and 2005-06. He has been an MLA since 2003