India-born UK Labour MP Ashok Kumar dies

London: Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Ashok Kumar has died, House of Commons speaker John Bercow said on Monday.

Ashok, who held the seat between 1991 and 1992 before winning it back in Labour's landslide return to power in 1997, was found dead at his home earlier on Monday.

Police are investigating the 53-year-old's death.

"Ashok was a most assiduous member, much respected by the House and, by professional background, a very fine chemical engineer," Bercow told parliament.

"I'm sure that members on all sides of the House will join me in mourning the loss of a colleague."

His death is unlikely to trigger a by-election because of the proximity of a general election, expected on May 6.