Middlesbrough MP Ashok Kumar found dead

Mar 15 2010 By Matt McKenzie

Ashok Kumar, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has died. Mr Kumar, 53, was found dead at his home in Marton.

He was found this morning at his home in Middlesbrough, a spokesman from Mr Kumar's office said, in what was being treated as a "sudden accidental death".

"It came as a huge shock to everyone," the spokesman said.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Police were called to an address on Canberra Road, Marton, in Middlesbrough, at 12.30pm today, Monday 15th March.

"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, who was 53, represented Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. He began his political career as a councillor in Middlesbrough. He served as a councillor from 1987 to 1997.

He became the MP for the Langbaurgh constituency at a 1991 by-election but lost the seat to Michael Bates, the Conservative candidate in the 1992 election.

He won back the seat - then renamed Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland - at the 1997 General Election.