Former Redditch MP Karen Lumley dies aged 59
- Published
Tributes have been paid to the former Conservative MP Karen Lumley who has died aged 59.
She was elected to represent Redditch, in Worcestershire, in 2010, when she unseated former Labour home secretary Jacqui Smith.
She stood down due to ill health in 2017.
Her Conservative successor, Rachel Maclean, said Ms Lumley demonstrated "tonnes of compassion" with a "genuine desire to improve people's lives".
"As her successor, I can say I'm proud to have followed in the footsteps of such a charismatic and strong woman," she added.
"She will be much missed by many people."
A mother-of-two, Ms Lumley was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, paid an emotional tribute, calling the former MP "a force for good".
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Former chancellor and health secretary Sajid Javid, who represents the neighbouring seat of Bromsgrove, said he was "deeply saddened" by Ms Lumley's death.
"She was a very dear friend but also a very good colleague and obviously my neighbour in terms of parliamentary constituencies," he explained.
"We did a lot together, our teams spent time together, we spent time together, so it's very, very sad to hear this news [on Thursday]."
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- Published29 April 2017
