Labour MP Ashok Kumar: ‘sudden accidental’ death

Labour MP Ashok Kumar has been found dead at his home in Middlesbrough, after what a spokesman for his office is calling a "sudden accidental" incident.

Police said Kumar 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." There will be no by-election to fill his parliamentary seat because of the imminent general election.

Kumar had represented his Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency since 1997. Environment Secretary Hillary Benn, who Kumar served as aide, described the 53-year-old as "a pioneer, a doughty fighter for his constituents and a Labour man through and through who cared deeply for others".

Kumar was criticised in the wake of last summer's publication of MPs' expenses claims. Although he already owned a home in London that had no mortgage on it, he bought a second home in the capital and then 'flipped' it so that he could claim the mortgage payments on expenses. He was also forced to repay £450 after he was found to have over-claimed for furniture.

Announcing Kumar's death to the House of Commons today, Speaker John Bercow said: "Ashok was a most assiduous Member, much respected by the House and, by professional background, a very fine chemical engineer."

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