Lord Ashley, the first deaf MP, dies aged 89

Disabled rights campaigner Lord Ashley of Stoke, the first deaf MP, has died aged 89, it was announced today.

The Labour peer passed away last night after a short illness, his family said.

BBC presenter Andrew Marr, who is married to the peer's columnist daughter Jackie Ashley, said: "Lord Ashley of Stoke, the former Labour MP Jack Ashley, died last night, April 20, after a short illness at the age of 89."

PA