BREAKING: DUP MLA dies suddenly
The party has confirmed that Christopher Stalford has passed away.
Last updated 20th Feb 2022
DUP MLA Christopher Stalford has died suddenly.
The South Belfast elected representative, 39, is survived by his wife Laura and their four children.
Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has paid tribute to his friend and colleague.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Christopher’s sudden death. He was not just an elected representative or a colleague, he was a friend.
“On behalf of the Party, I express my sympathies to Laura and the wider Stalford family on the loss of a husband, father, son and brother.
“I talked at length with Christopher on Friday night. He was passionate about Northern Ireland and wanted the best for his constituents. I was never to know how precious that conversation was to be.
“Most telling of all in that conversation was his pride in Laura and their children. He talked about his eldest child transferring to big school and the discussions that were ongoing in the home.
“Christopher was born to be a public representative. From his teenage years he was a regular contributor to politics both in the print and broadcast media. He was elected as a Belfast City Councillor in 2005 to represent the Laganbank area and then from 2014 represented the Balmoral area. Christopher was elected the High Sheriff of Belfast in 2010 and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast in 2013/14.
“In 2016, Christopher was elected to represent Belfast South in the Northern Ireland Assembly and from January 2020 served as the Principal Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“Christopher believed in stretching himself to build a genuinely shared future. He was confident in his unionism and his identity and was always prepared to provide leadership to keep Northern Ireland moving in the right direction.
“The Stalford family will be in our prayers as they mourn Christopher’s passing.”
Tributes flooding in
Sinn Fein's Stormont leader is among those paying tribute.
Michelle O'Neill says it is "desperately sad news".
The Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA has expressed his shock and sadness.
Doug Beattie said: “This is absolutely tragic and shocking news which will be felt by every single person who worked at Stormont. In addition to his duties as an MLA, Christopher Stalford was a Principal Deputy Speaker and his role was to ensure the smooth running of the business of the Chamber, which he did expertly and with good humour.
"I worked with Christopher on many occasions and although we had differing political views we never traded an angry word. He was someone I liked, respected and who worked tirelessly for his community and country.
“I know he will be greatly missed not just by his colleagues in his own party but right across the political spectrum.
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere sympathies to Christopher’s family and many friends and colleagues.”
The SDLP has postponed its Spring Conference due to take place this afternoon as a mark of respect.
Party leader Colum Eastwood MP said:
“On behalf of the SDLP I want to send my deepest condolences to Christopher’s wife Laura, their four children and his wide circle of family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Christopher and I knew each other for more than 20 years and this news has come as such a shock.
“I don’t think there was a single political issue that Christopher and I agreed on but one of my defining memories will be his great ability to disagree well. You could have a storming argument in the Assembly with terse words and raised voices but as soon as you left, he would always have a wry smile and a laugh.
“This will be a difficult day for everyone who knew Christopher, particularly his colleagues and the wider DUP family. As a mark of respect, we have decided to postpone the SDLP Spring Conference. Today is a day for political parties to set aside enmity and terse words and to remember that we are all people working hard and doing our best to serve the interests of the people we represent. Christopher Stalford was someone who did just that."
Stormont's Junior Ministers Gary Middleton and Declan Kearney have expressed their sadness at the news.
Gary Middleton said: “I was profoundly saddened to learn of the death of my friend and colleague, Christopher Stalford. Christopher was a dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly to better the lives of others. But first and foremost, he was a family man who was immensely proud of his wonderful children.
“It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of a young man who had so much to offer our community. And today our community shares in grief at his passing. We are all the poorer for his loss.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to Christopher’s wife, Laura, his young children, the Stalford family circle and his many friends.”
Declan Kearney said: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Christopher Stalford’s sudden death.
“This heart breaking news has touched everyone who worked alongside Christopher from across the political spectrum. He made a significant contribution to our regional Assembly as Principal Deputy Speaker, and as a member of the TEO scrutiny committee. Today we all stand together in sympathy with everyone who knew and loved him.
“My thoughts are with Christopher’s family, especially his wife and young children. I extend my sincere condolences to them, and all his friends and DUP colleagues. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí ar a anam.”
Alliance's party leader Naomi Long said she had a warm personal friendship with Mr Stalford.
“Despite our politics often being radically different, Christopher and I had a warm personal friendship, with him often talking to me about his pride in his family,” said Mrs Long.
“Christopher was High Sheriff at Belfast City Council while I was Lord Mayor, and we carried that close relationship throughout the rest of our political careers. Just this week, we discussed his eldest child’s school transfer and it is difficult to put into words my shock, sadness and devastation just days later we are discussing his passing.
“He was a genuine and funny person, who was dedicated to public service. Christopher revelled in the role of Principal Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, carrying out his duties in an even-handed and fair manner, no matter the situation.
“My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Christopher’s wife Laura, his four children, the wider family circle and his party colleagues.”