Emotional Poots pays tribute to Christopher Stalford

An emotional Edwin Poots, after being elected for South Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

The DUP’s Edwin Poots has paid tribute to the late DUP MLA Christopher Stalford, after winning his Stormont seat back for the party.

Mr Stalford, principal deputy speaker of the Stormont Assembly and a 39-year-old father of four, died in February, causing shockwaves across the political spectrum.