The Labour Party is extremely saddened to hear about the death of Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.
 
Dr Kumar was found dead at home this morning.
 
Dr Kumar was 53 years old and first entered parliament in November 1991 at a by-election for the Langbaurgh constituency. He re-gained the seat at the General Election in 1997.
 
David Walsh, Secretary of Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland CLP said "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."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that he was "greatly saddened" by Ashok Kumar's death, mentioning that he was a "tenacious campaigner" and "a warm and incredibly generous man".

He added:

"Ashok was a hard-working constituency MP who took pride in representing the people of Middlesbrough as both a councillor and MP since 1987.

"His long-standing campaigns to keep shipbuilding in Teesside were respected by all sides of the House."