Mayor, Alderman Martin, expresses deepest sympathy on the passing of Christopher Stalford MLA

February 20, 2022

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Christopher Stalford MLA - a friend to many, a highly able public servant and a dedicated champion for his constituents, many of whom reside in our Council area. 

On behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, I offer our deepest condolences to Christopher’s wife Laura and their four young children.  Our thoughts and sympathies are also with his wider family circle, friends, colleagues and his staff team at this incredibly sad time.

Many will recall how Christopher came to public attention as a student with able contributions to political debate. Elected to Belfast City Council in 2005, he served as High Sheriff and Deputy Lord Mayor before moving on to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2016 where since January 2020 he served as Principal Deputy Speaker. 

Despite attaining high office at such a young age, Christopher’s priority was always the people he represented.  He remained true to the community activist he was at heart, evident by his many regular dealings with our Council.  Able to turn a witty phrase with brilliant effect, Christopher was a supremely gifted communicator - a skill deployed to help his constituents, campaign on the causes he held dear and debate with Council or Assembly colleagues. 

Christopher’s public life was one of selfless and meaningful service.  Above all else, we will remember him for how he treated others - with kindness, respect and dignity.  Today’s news will be felt deeply far and wide for a long time to come - a true measure of the esteem Christopher was held in across the community.