Police are investigating the death of Labour MP Ashok Kumar, who was found dead today at his home in Middlesborough. Kumar has represented his constituency since 1997, and between 1991 and 1992 when he was MP for Langbaurgh.
Speaker John Bercow announced the news to the Commons earlier, calling Kumar "a most assiduous member, much respected by the House", according to reports. Tributes have been led by environment secretary Hilary Benn, who told the BBC the Middlesborough MP, his parliamentary private secretary, was a "pioneer" and a "doughty fighter for his constituents".
After three years as a research fellow at Imperial College, Kumar worked at British Steel between 1985 and 1997, when he became an MP with special interests in science and technology, education and local government. He served a number of political posts including vice-chair of the All-Party Group for the Chemical Industry and treasurer of the All-Party Strategic Industries Group.
More information on Mr Kumar can be found at New Statesman's Your Democracy.
