Funeral held for 'drink death' MP

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The funeral has been held of a former MP who died aged 49, apparently from heavy drinking following the stress of a probe into her election expenses.

The service for Fiona Jones, who became the Labour MP for Newark in 1997, took place at Lincoln Crematorium.

She was convicted of election fraud in 1999 and faced expulsion from the House of Commons, but the conviction was later overturned on appeal.

Mrs Jones lost her seat at the general election of 2001.

She was a tremendously bubbly person, very forthright Des Whicher, former political agent

The football anthem You'll Never Walk Alone was played at her funeral, said former agent Des Whicher, because she was a staunch fan of Liverpool.

Speaking after the ceremony, he said: "I feel very, very sad because I feel she had a tremendous amount to give.

"She gave a tremendous lot. I worked with her when she became a member of Parliament and I know how hard she worked until she was undermined by this court case.

"She was a tremendously bubbly person, very forthright."

Mrs Jones leaves two sons, aged 14 and 17.

A Labour party spokesman said: "The Labour Party sends its deepest condolences to Fiona's husband, Chris, her two sons and all members of her family at this difficult time.

"Fiona Jones was a valued MP who served the people of Newark well."

Mr Whicher said he believed she died from heavy drinking following the stress of the expenses probe.

No inquest will be held because a post-mortem examination revealed she died from natural causes.