Tributes to Ashok Kumar from peers

Mar 15 2010 The Journal

Ashok Kumar, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has been found dead at his home in Marton.Read tributes from fellow MPs and the world of politics, and leave your own tribute to Mr Kumar using the comments box below.

Fellow Labour MP Sir Stuart Bell:

"The death of Ashok Kumar at so young an age is tragic.

"He has been for many years a fine parliamentarian and good constituency MP.

"He built up his parliamentary majority and had every expectation of being returned to the House at the forthcoming election.

"He will be mourned by his many friends and colleagues. He leaves behind an untarnished reputation."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow:

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 members family and friends.

Statement from Ashok Kumar's office:

It is with great regret that we learned this morning that Ashok has passed away. He was found at home.

His family have been informed.

We all mourn our loss and all our thoughts are solely with his family at this tragic time.

Ashok was a fine politician who served his constituency and his constituents with diligence and unswerving commitment.

He was a natural fighter and a community leader. He first won his seat in 1991 in a by-election, only to narrowly lose it in the 1992 general election.

Undaunted, he stood again and in 1997 regained the seat and successful defended it in following contests.