Anna Lo tributes after death of "groundbreaking" former South Belfast MLA

Tributes have been paid to "groundbreaking" former South Belfast MLA Anna Lo after her death following complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Anna Lo passed away at Belfast City Hospital, on Wednesday, November 6, leaving behind her two sons Conall and Owen, two grandchildren and her partner Robert.

She made history in 2007 when she became the first ethnic-minority politician elected to the Assembly, representing South Belfast, and the first politician of Chinese ethnicity elected to any legislative body in Western Europe.

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Alliance Leader Naomi Long has paid tribute to Ms Lo saying that she was a "ground-breaker" in local politics who was dedicated and passionate about helping her constituents and was a strong advocate for the environment, human rights and women's rights and equality.

Mrs Long said: "Anna will forever be remembered as a ground-breaker in local politics. However, she brought a wealth of experience, insight and intelligence to politics from her previous roles in social work, broadcasting, community development and advocacy.

“Her dedication and passion for serving her constituents were later rewarded when she was re-elected with an increased mandate. She had a number of causes close to her heart, including protection of the environment and human rights, and was a strong voice on women's rights and equality.

“Despite facing appalling racism from some quarters, she was brave in facing down her abusers. Her friends and colleagues loved her greatly, and were a source of great support for her in those trying times.

“On a personal level, Anna was a great friend and encourager. She was also someone I admired enormously, long before she was involved in party politics. Her service to the Chinese community, to good relations and to the city of Belfast, much of which went unseen by most, was transformational.

“I am so sad to learn of her passing and will miss her warmth, her humour, her kindness and her courage as will everyone in Alliance. Anna's legacy will live on and my thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

Anna's sons Owen and Conall Watson said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Anna Lo, former Alliance MLA for South Belfast and campaigner for equality and social justice in Northern Ireland.

"We are incredibly proud of Anna and what she achieved throughout her life and career. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, partner and friend, whose energy, joy and integrity inspired those she met.

"Anna stood for and fought for equality, for women’s rights, against discrimination including racism, and for a political system to serve the needs of people rather than reinforce historic divisions.

"Since arriving from Hong Kong in the 1970s, she served the community of Northern Ireland. She worked first as a translator and social worker before taking on more public roles, including at the Chinese Welfare Association, the Assembly and as a founding commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

"Anna died peacefully with family around her on 6 November 2024 at Belfast City Hospital, following complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, at the age of 74. From her hospital bed, Anna continued to champion the issues that she had dedicated her life to. We are incredibly grateful to all the NHS staff who provided Anna with excellent, compassionate care.

"A passionate artist, environmentalist and hillwalker, she helped people participate in culture, art and education. She was a trustee and volunteer of arts charities, and arranged exhibitions of Chinese art. Family summers were often spent in the Mourne Mountains. In recent years, she found great joy spending time with her grandchildren and travelling the world.

"Anna is survived by her partner Robert, siblings Henry and Mary, sons Conall and Owen, and two grandchildren. The family asks for their privacy to be respected at this time."

Former Alliance Leader David Ford also added his sympathies following Anna’s death.

“I first met Anna in her previous career as a social worker, where she was known for the exemplary care she gave all her clients,” he said.

“On a professional level, she gave Alliance a massive boost when she made the party’s first Assembly gain, in South Belfast in 2007. I was also pleased to have her chair the Environment Committee at the Assembly, where she expertly held the Department and Minister to account.

“I am sad to hear the news of her passing but her legacy as a trailblazer in Northern Ireland politics will live on.”

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