Labor MP Ashok Kumar dead23 found: 11 15/03/2010, Martin Wainwright, Hilary Benn, House of Commons, work, news, politics, guardian, news, UK Guardian

Labor MP Ashok Kumar dead23 found: 11 15/03/2010, Martin Wainwright, Hilary Benn, House of Commons, work, news, politics, guardian, news, UK Guardian Unlimited

Corps MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland was found in his home when the staff did not wake


The police and doctors are investigating the death of a Labor MP, whose body was found in his home today.

Dr. Ashok Kumar, 53, had been working as usual, with major commitments as private parliamentary secretary Hilary Benn, environment secretary. It was also the campaign for jobs Corus steelworkers in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency. His body was found after staff anxiety not to wake the phone and called the emergency services, who broke into his house.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to the 14 former research scientist year career idea, saying: "It was a tenacious fighter for his constituents and a warm and generous man." Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, a north-MP this guy before his retirement, said: "Ashok was a dedicated MP, with a determination to serve the community was."

Cleveland police said Kumar's death was not being treated as suspicious, but remained unexplained. The MP had a majority of 8,000 in 2005, but no byelection due to the proximity of general elections.

Kumar was single and lived alone but had recently spoken to the neighbors. Born in India and moved to Britain to study at Imperial College London, before moving to Teesside as a senior fellow at British Steel.

His work included advocacy Commons humanism and opposition to religious schools, but mostly campaigned for heavy industry Teesside descent. When I first entered parliament for Langbaurgh, also on the south bank Tees in 1991 when she became the fifth Asian-MP since the end of World War II. He lost his seat the following year, but regained the redrawn district in landslide of New Labor in 1997.

Police said paramedics had declared him dead at the scene and that family members had been informed. Benn said: "It's very hard to believe that Ashok is no longer with us. He was a pioneer, a courageous fighter for his constituents and a thorough working man who cared deeply for others. He was also courageous in seeking what he saw as the right ".

The death was announced to the idea of President John Bercow, who said: "Ashok was a regular member, highly respected by the House."

Meanwhile, the MP for one of the most marginal seats Labor announced today that it would defend its majority of 37 votes in the election. Laura Moffatt decision gives workers party in Crawley, East Sussex, just a few weeks to find a new candidate.

Labor's National Executive Committee will draw up shortlists for her and Kumar seats and Blackpool North and Fleetwood, where Joan Humble announced his retirement last month.

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House of Commons
Hilary Benn,
Martin Wainwright


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