Image source, NI Assembly

“Sadness has fallen upon this chamber,” says Deirdre Hargey of Sinn Féin.

She is leading tributes to the DUP MLA on behalf of her party.

“No words can describe the shock, anguish and pain” Mr Stalford’s family is feeling, she adds.

The South Belfast MLA says she first met Mr Stalford at Belfast City Council and “instantly thought he was older than me due to his mannerisms and his attire of his pinstriped suit, initially thinking this was the instructed uniform of all DUP councillors at that time”.

Ms Hargey says he “enjoyed the cut and thrust” of debate in committees and the debating chamber.

“Whilst our politics differed, we shared similarities, growing up in working class communities in south Belfast,” she adds.

Image source, NI Assembly

Paula Bradley speaks on behalf of her party, the DUP.

Visibly moved, she says she says she wants to "honour and give thanks for the life of our much-loved friend and esteemed colleague", Christopher Stalford.

"Words cannot adequately explain the sense of pain and loss that is felt on these benches," she adds.

She expresses her sympathies to Mr Stalford's family "on the loss of a man who was so utterly devoted to them".

"Christopher's joy came not in holding office but in how he could use that office to improve the everyday lives of those he was honoured to represent," Ms Bradley says.

"It was a mark of the man that he had friends on all sides of this chamber," she adds.

Image source, NI Assembly

Alex Maskey explains that he first met Christopher Stalford when he was elected to Belfast City Council in 2005.

“While we came from opposite perspectives at times,” he explains, “we built up a very positive working relationship”.

Before leaving school, Mr Stalford’s interest in politics was clear, says the speaker of the assembly, adding that “it was no secret that a career in politics was his ambition and probably even his natural calling”.

“In many ways Christopher was an older head on young shoulders,” says Mr Maskey.

Image source, NI Assembly

“This is a sad day,” says Speaker Alex Maskey while opening today’s plenary session at the NI Assembly.

“It is my very sad duty to stand here today to express condolences on the passing of our friend and colleague, Principal Deputy Speaker, Christopher Stalford,” says Mr Maskey.

“None of us would imagine we’d be here today in these circumstances for a member who had so much more to give.

“I want to acknowledge the shock that yesterday’s news has brought collectively, a loss the whole of the assembly, especially of course to his friends and colleagues in the DUP who have our sympathies today," he adds.

Mr Maskey also expresses condolences on behalf of staff in the speaker’s office with whom Mr Stalford had a close relationship.

Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey calls the members to order.

He turns to the sole item on today's order paper.

MLAs will pay tribute to their colleague, Christopher Stalford, who died suddenly at the weekend.

Stephen Walker
BBC News NI Political Correspondent

Christopher Stalford had achieved much in his career and politicians from across the chamber will have the chance to pay tribute to his work during this morning's plenary meeting.

There will be much reference to his upbringing in south Belfast and his working-class background.

His public service and his love of debate will be another theme. There will also be a mention of his family life away from politics.

It will be a sombre day - a moment of reflection when politicians come together to remember one of their own.

Image source, Paul Faith

Christopher Stalford was a well-known member of the DUP.

He served as principal deputy speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly since 2020 and had represented South Belfast since 2016, having served previously as councillor, high sheriff of Belfast and deputy mayor.

He is survived by his wife Laura and four children.

His death was announced on Sunday and the tributes, paid across the political spectrum, referenced his wry humour, passion for politics and debate, and love for his wife and children.

Image source, AFP

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Today, MLAs are gathering to pay tribute to their colleague Christopher Stalford.

The DUP representative for South Belfast died suddenly at the weekend, aged 39.

Politicians have agreed to suspend business following tributes to Mr Stalford.

The plenary sitting will begin at 12:00.