Colleagues pay tribute to Benson

Colleagues have been paying tribute to an Ulster Unionist Assembly member, Mr Tom Benson, who died late on Christmas Eve

Colleagues have been paying tribute to an Ulster Unionist Assembly member, Mr Tom Benson, who died late on Christmas Eve. Mr Benson (71) fell ill last month after a stroke. He was a member for Strangford, Co Down, and served on both the education and environment committees at Stormont. He is survived by his wife, Anne, two daughters and a son. The Ulster Unionist deputy leader, Mr John Taylor, MP for Strangford, said it had been a privilege for him to count Mr Benson among his colleagues and friends.

The UUP chief whip, Mr Jim Wilson, described Mr Benson as a hard-working and valued member of the Assembly who would be sorely missed.