Speaker announces death of MP David Cairns
10 May 2011 (updated on 10 May 2011)
The Speaker announced the death of Inverclyde MP David Cairns today. Mr Cairns had been an MP for 11 years having been elected in 2001. He was 44
Mr Bercow told Members in the House of Commons Chamber: "I regret to have to report to the House the death of David Cairns, member for Inverclyde.
"David was a most assiduous member, serving as parliamentary under-secretary of state and minister of state in the last parliament and much respected by the House.
"David trained and served as a priest before beginning his political career. I'm sure that members in all parts of the House will join me in mourning the loss of a colleague and extending our sympathy to the honourable member's partner Dermot, his father John, his brother Billy and his many friends and family."