Christopher Stalford: PM joins tributes after sudden death of MLA aged 39

Q Radio News

DUP MLA Christopher Stalford has died at the age of 39.

Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has confirmed the south Belfast representative and father-of-four died suddenly.

In a statement, Sir Jeffrey said: “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."

BREAKING: DUP South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford has died suddenly at the age of 39 pic.twitter.com/rXwUiBwhiY

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 20, 2022

Sir Jeffrey continued: “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.”

NI Assembly: "At 12noon the Assembly will sit to allow tributes and condolences to be paid to Christopher Stalford MLA. At the end of the tributes there will be a minute’s silence following which the Assembly sitting will adjourn for the day." pic.twitter.com/XbktCWidW4

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 20, 2022

Christopher Stalford with his wife Laura and mother Karen Stalford 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined the tributes. He tweeted: "Very saddened to learn of the death of Christopher Stalford MLA, a passionate and dedicated servant of the people of South Belfast. My thoughts are with the Stalford family at this very difficult time."

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill also extended her sympathies to Mr. Stalford's family. 

“Desperately sad news of the sudden passing of DUP Assembly member Christopher Stalford,” Ms O’Neill tweeted.

“On behalf of the Sinn Fein Assembly team I extend our condolences and I express my sincere sympathy to his wife Laura and their four children who are foremost in our thoughts this afternoon.”

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie expressed his shock and sadness at the sudden death.

“This is absolutely tragic and shocking news which will be felt by every single person who worked at Stormont,” Mr Beattie said.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also expressed his condolences.

The SDLP postponed its spring conference due to take place on Sunday as a mark of respect.

“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,” Mr Eastwood said.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said: “My sincere condolences to Christopher Stalford’s family and friends on this very sad news.

“As MLA and principal deputy speaker, Christopher was passionate about crucial issues that affected people across Northern Ireland and was dedicated to building a better Northern Ireland for everyone.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Christopher Stalford.

“He served the people of South Belfast diligently and with integrity, working tirelessly to improve housing and education,” Mr Martin said.

Christopher Stalford