Alan Keen MP Dies

Husband of former local MP loses battle with cancer

Alan Keen, the Labour MP for Feltham and Heston, has died aged 73 after losing his battle against cancer. He passed away last Thursday.

He was the husband of former Brentford and Isleworth MP, Ann Keen, who lost her seat at the last election.

An avid supporter of Middlesbrough FC for whom he had acted as a scout, he was chairman of Parliament's all-party football group. He was a member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee. As part of his duties in the latter, he was involved in the phone hacking enquiry and questioned James Murdoch during his recent testimony.

Mr Keen was born in London and brought up in Redcar, near Middlesbrough. After serving in the British Army he later became a systems analyst and worked in the fire protection industry.

Cllr. Jagdish Sharma, the leader of Hounslow Council said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Alan Keen MP. Alan has been a good friend and political ally for the last thirty years, and I will miss him.

"He brought both wisdom and common sense to these roles, and was extremely thrilled and proud to be able to represent the people of Feltham and Heston. A job he did diligently and well. He was a consummate Constituency MP who cared greatly about his constituents.

"Alan was a lovely, kind man, and I will always remember him with affection. My thoughts and prayers are with Ann, his wife, and his family at the very difficult time”

He served as a Councillor for Hounslow Heath Ward in the London Borough of Hounslow from 1986 – 1990, and was elected as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Feltham and Heston in 1992. He married Ann in 1980. The couple became involved in the expenses scandal before the last election and were asked to pay back £1,500 that was paid to them for refurbishment work on their house in Brentford.

Mr Keen had a majority of 4,658 in the 2010 election.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

November 14, 2011