DUP MLA Christopher Stalford dies aged 39

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician Christopher Stalford has died suddenly at the age of 39.

Mr Stalford was a well-known member of the party and had represented South Belfast in the Northern Ireland Assembly since 2016.

In a statement, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he was "deeply saddened" at Mr Stalford's death.

Sir Jeffrey said Mr Stalford was "not just an elected representative or a colleague, he was a friend".

Mr Stalford is survived by his wife Laura and four children.

The DUP leader said his sympathies were with the wider Stalford family on the "loss of a husband, father, son and brother".

"I talked at length with Christopher on Friday night," said Sir Jeffrey.

"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."

DUP Chairman Lord Morrow said he had known Mr Stalford since he was a child.

"As a party, we are shocked and saddened by his death but most of all we are heartbroken for Laura, their four little children and Christopher's wider family who will feel this loss most keenly," he said.

The party's North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said he had "loved politics and engagement with the public".

"We just do not know what a day will bring forward and today a shadow of loss hangs over our party," he added.

Christopher Stalford had a passion for politics.

He once thought about being a history or politics teacher and before he became a politician he often took part in discussion programmes on radio and television.

An articulate advocate for unionism, he began working for the then DUP MEP Jim Allister and also for the MLA Peter Weir.

Later he joined the DUP`s press team.

After 11 years on Belfast City Council he became an assembly member for South Belfast where he was brought up - it was a place he was very proud of.

He often talked about growing up in Annadale Flats near the River Lagan.

He once described himself as an Arlene Ultra when Arlene Foster was party leader - but last year he supported Edwin Poots in his bid for leadership.

When Stormont returned he relished the role of principal deputy speaker and even at moments of political tension his personality and sense of humour shone through.

Mr Stalford had worked in the DUP press office for a number of years before becoming an elected representative.

In 2005 he was elected to Belfast City Council and was deputy mayor from 2013 to 2014.

In 2016, he was one of two DUP candidates selected to run for the South Belfast constituency in the assembly election.

After the restoration of the Stormont institutions in 2020, Mr Stalford was appointed principal deputy speaker, to chair debates in the assembly.