UK's first Chinese parliamentarian dies at 74

The Alliance Party has paid tribute to its "ground-breaking" and "trailblazing" former assembly member Anna Lo, who has died at the age of 74.

Ms Lo was the first ethnic-minority politician elected to Stormont, and the first Chinese person to be elected to a legislative parliament in western Europe

Alliance leader Naomi Long described her as a "great friend" and paid tribute to her "dedication and passion for serving her constituents" in Belfast.

She added that Ms Lo had been brave in confronting the "appalling racism" she faced during her political career.

Mr Ford said she was a formidable politician who despite her small physical stature "intellectually punched well above her weight".

"I reminded of an occasion that she left party headquarters in University Street and found a couple of characters who were trying to interfere with her car," he recalled.

"And she just went straight down towards them and they ran away.

"So five-foot-nothing Anna was able to terrify street hoodlums who were probably 30 years younger than her. "

But he said he personally would remember her as "an incredibly warm personality" whose interest in people shone through every aspect of her life.

The First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill paid a tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying she was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"Anna was a passionate and dedicated representative who was never afraid to speak her mind and worked to build a better society for all," O'Neill wrote.

"My thoughts are with her family, friends, and former colleagues at this sad time."

Lo served on several assembly scrutiny committees, including as chair of the environment committee.

In 2014, she said she would not be seeking re-election, explaining that continual racist abuse had influenced her decision.

She made headlines earlier that year after declaring her preference for a united Ireland at a time when she was an Alliance election candidate for the European Parliament.

She is survived by her sons Conall and Owen, two grandchildren and partner Robert.