Christopher Stalford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Stalford
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| Principal Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| In office 14 January 2020 – 19 February 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Catríona Ruane |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Belfast South |
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| In office 5 May 2016 – 19 February 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Michael McGimpsey |
| Succeeded by | Edwin Poots |
| Member of Belfast City Council |
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| In office 22 May 2014 – 5 May 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Ruth Patterson |
| Succeeded by | Lee Reynolds |
| Constituency | Balmoral |
| In office 5 May 2005 – 22 May 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Constituency | Laganbank |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 January 1983 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 19 February 2022 (aged 39) Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Spouse | Laura Stalford |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Wellington College Belfast |
| Alma mater | Queen's University Belfast |
Christopher David Matthew Stalford (born 17 January 1983 – died 19 February 2022) was a politician from Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). From 2016 until he passed away in 2022, he served as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for the area of South Belfast.
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About Christopher Stalford
Christopher Stalford was born in south Belfast on 17 January 1983. He went to school at Wellington College Belfast. Later, he studied at Queen's University Belfast.
Early Career in Politics
After finishing university, Christopher worked for different politicians. He spent time in the European office of Jim Allister. He also worked for Peter Weir. Later, he joined the DUP's press office for six years. After that, he worked in their policy unit.
Serving Belfast City
Christopher Stalford became a local politician in 2005. He was elected to the Belfast City Council. He represented the Laganbank area of Belfast.
In 2014, the Laganbank area was changed. Christopher was re-elected to the council. This time, he represented the Balmoral area.
Special Roles in Belfast
In 2010, Christopher Stalford became the High Sheriff of Belfast. He was only 27 years old at the time. The Belfast Telegraph newspaper said he was the youngest person ever to hold this role.
From 2013 to 2014, he served as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast. In 2008, he was chosen to lead the Belfast District Policing Partnership. This group worked on local policing matters.
Becoming an MLA
In the 2016 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Christopher Stalford was elected. He became a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA). He represented the South Belfast area.
His Passing
Christopher Stalford passed away suddenly on 19 February 2022. He was 39 years old. Many people from different political parties attended his funeral. This showed how much he was respected.
Sinn Féin politicians John O'Dowd and Deirdre Hargey were there. SDLP MP Claire Hanna and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long also attended.
After Christopher's death, Edwin Poots was elected to represent Belfast South. This happened in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election. Edwin Poots spoke highly of Christopher. He promised to "build a legacy for Christopher."
