SDLP cancel conference as 'mark of respect' after DUP MLAs death

Colum Eastwood has expressed his "deepest condolences" to Mr Stalford's family and friends

The SDLP has postponed its party conference as a mark of respect following the death of DUP MLA Christopher Stalford.

It was announced on Sunday that Mr Stalford had died suddenly at the age of 39.

The spring conference had been scheduled to take place in Bellaghy, County Londonderry, later today.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has expressed his "deepest condolences" to Mr Stalford's family and friends.

Mr Eastwood said he had known Mr Stalford for 20 years, and while they did not agree on many political issues, he had the "great ability to disagree well".

About 100 party members had been expected to attend the event.

"Today is a day for political parties to set aside enmity and terse words and to remember that we are all people working hard and doing our best to serve the interests of the people we represent," the SDLP leader added.

"Christopher Stalford was someone who did just that."

DUP assembly member for Strangford Peter Weir welcomed the move.

In a tweet, he said: "The decision by the SDLP to postpone their spring conference today as a mark of respect to Christopher Stalford is an act of decency to be commended.

"Christopher drew respect across the spectrum."