MP Kumar found dead, aged 53 (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

MP Kumar found dead, aged 53

2:33pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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Police are investigating the death of Labour MP Ashok Kumar whose body was found by officers at his home on Monday.

As colleagues paid tribute to the 53-year-old politician, Cleveland Police said it was too early to say whether the death was being treated as suspicious.

Staff, who are believed to have raised the alarm after being unable to reach Dr Kumar by telephone, said the news had come as a "huge shock".

A spokesman for the Cleveland force said: "Police were called to an address on Canberra Road in Marton, Middlesbrough, at 12.30pm today, Monday March 15. Officers entered the property and found the body of a man in his 50s. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. At this stage it is too early to say whether the death is being treated as suspicious and inquiries are ongoing."

Dr Kumar, a Parliamentary aide to Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, had represented Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 1997.

A statement issued by his office said: "We all mourn our loss and all our thoughts are solely with his family at this tragic time."

The Indian-born MP, who was single, was not believed to be unwell.

Leading the tributes from colleagues, who all expressed shock at the news, Mr Benn said: "It is very hard to believe that Ashok is no longer with us. Ashok was a pioneer, a doughty fighter for his constituents and a Labour man through and through who cared deeply for others.

"He was also fearless in pursuit of what he saw as right. I came to value his friendship, his loyalty and his sense of fun over the many years we worked together."

Announcing the death to the Commons, Speaker John Bercow said: "Ashok was a most assiduous Member, much respected by the House and by professional background a very fine chemical engineer. I am sure members on all sides of the House will join me in mourning the loss of a colleague and extending our sympathy to the honourable member's family and friends."