Ashok Kumar (From The Northern Echo)

Ashok Kumar

10:30am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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IN a political climate of suspicion, deceit and scandal it is unusual for a politician to be hailed as decent, honest and as someone who cares. But there are some MPs who aspire to do a good job without fuss and publicity.

The sudden death of Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, brought undoubted shock, but also warm tributes to someone who was clearly dedicated to those in his constituency and Teesside generally. That is what an MP should be about – serving the interests of others and being thoroughly decent in going about their work.

Dr Kumar was neither arrogant nor stereotypical. His ambitions were for those he represented and the area he clearly cared for. He had knowledge and intellect which he used to great effect as an advocate for a region that needs advocates who act.

Whoever replaces him as the constituency’s MP will bring their own character and personality, but I am sure Dr Kumar’s legacy will be that those who voted for and came to know him had someone whom they knew would try his level best – a true parliamentarian.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.