New Labour MP asks for ‘patience and understanding’ after husband suffers stroke

A new Labour MP has asked for “patience and understanding” after her husband suffered a stroke on her first day in the House of Commons.

Uma Kumaran said the “past 24 hours have been the hardest of our lives” as she urged her constituents in Stratford and Bow, east London, to bear with her.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Kumaran said her husband is 39 and healthy, adding: “We never expected this.”

In a statement on Wednesday, she wrote: “Thank you to our amazing NHS staff, especially those on the stroke unit at our local hospital.

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“Yesterday, during my first day in the Commons, I learned my husband was in the emergency ward after suffering a TIA (transient ischaemic attack) stroke.

“The past 24 hours have been the hardest of our lives, but the care at the stroke unit has been incredible. He’s doing well and is surrounded by family.

“As a result, it is going to take me a little longer than expected to set up my office and I ask for patience and understanding at this time. I will be sworn in and back in Parliament soon.

“Thank you to the speaker, House staff, police, Whips teams, and colleagues for their support.

“My husband is 39 and healthy. We never expected this. Remember – acting FAST can save lives.”

She added: “Residents of Stratford and Bow – I’ll be back to being your voice in Parliament as soon as I possibly can. Thank you.”

On July 4, Ms Kumaran was elected to serve Stratford and Bow with 19,145 votes.