Tributes continue to be paid to Christopher Stalford: Boris Johnson calls him a dedicated servant of the people of South Belfast
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The south Belfast representative and father-of-four died suddenly
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Tributes flood in following the death of 39 year old Christopher Stalford DUP MLA
Emma Little Pengelly
For almost 25 years, our lives in politics had been intertwined. From the moment we met as teens, we battled the piece out. Often on the same page, often not too - but we travelled that road together. So many lovely tributes today, but so hard to realise our chapter is closed 💔
Peter Weir: My friend Christopher Stalford was a true unionist but not a two dimensional political ideologue
I first met him at Stormont in the late 1990s, when he was still at school, and a frequent visitor to Stormont with his friend and constituency predecessor Mark Robinson MLA.


Christopher Stalford was a true unionist but not a two dimensional ideologue
I have known Christopher Stalford all of his adult life, and been his friend throughout.
Boris Johnson
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.
Arlene Foster
I have been really struggling to process the news of Christopher’s death, but my first thoughts and my prayers are with Laura and his beloved and adored children.
This is how I will remember him, happy and confident after the 2016 election. Matthew 5v4.
Brian John Spencer
I got on v well with Christopher Stalford.
I would see him in Belvoir when I lived there and often park outside his office I really enjoyed chatting to him & painting him. I did of him and his son.
I felt compelled to draw this because he was such an exceptionally good father.
Brandon Lewis, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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 NI and was dedicated to building a better Northern Ireland for everyone.”


Christopher Stalford: political rivals’ praise for ‘tireless’ representative
Rivals from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to DUP MLA Christopher Stalford following his death aged 39.
Alliance release: Long pays tribute to Christopher Stalford
Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has paid tribute to Christopher Stalford, saying it is hard to put into words her shock, sadness and devastation at the news of his passing.
Mr Stalford was aged 39 and leaves behind a wife and four children.“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.”
SDLP expresses deep condolences following death of Christopher Stalford MLA
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP and South Belfast MP Claire Hanna have expressed their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Christopher Stalford MLA following news of his passing today.
The SDLP has postponed its Spring Conference due to take place this afternoon as a mark of respect.
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.


Breaking: DUP MLA Christopher Stalford dies aged 39
South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford has died aged 39, the Democratic Unionist Party has announced.
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Words are not adequate to express the shock and deep sadness I feel at the death of Christopher Stalford. To his beloved wife Laura and four young children I express sincere Christian sympathy. “Having known Christopher well since his days working for me, when I served as an MEP, I retained friendship and respect for him and his undoubted ability - ability which Unionism can ill afford to lose. “I also express sympathy to his party which he served with loyalty and distinction. His colleagues in the Assembly and elsewhere will feel an aching void, though it is his family who above all require the prayers and support of us all.”
Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the passing of Christopher Stalford, MLA
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of MLA Christopher Stalford.
He served the people of South Belfast diligently and with integrity, working tirelessly to improve housing and education.
I conveyed my sympathies to his party leader Jeffrey Donaldson earlier today, and my sincere condolences go to his wife Laura, children, family, friends and colleagues in the DUP.