Richmond MP Susan Kramer is mourning the death of her husband after he lost a year-long battle with cancer.

John Kramer, one of the politician's most ardent supporters, died on September 22 aged 57. The couple met at Oxford when they were both students and were married for 34 years. They settled in Barnes in 1991 after a period living in the US.

US born, John Kramer had a successful career in transport, first as Transport Secretary for the State of Illinois and latterly as a transport adviser to countries in Eastern and Central Europe. They had two children, Jonathan and Abigail and one grandchild Arabella, with another due in November.

In the wake of the news local figures paid tribute to a man who helped in many of the Liberal Democrat campaigns in the borough.

Council leader Serge Lourie said: "John Kramer was the nicest person you could ever hope to meet. him. He was a lovely, lovely chap."

Jenny Tonge, Ms Kramer's predecessor, said: "I think it is a huge tragedy this should have happened to Susan so early in her career."

Dr Vincent Cable, Twickenham's MP, whose first wife also died from cancer, said: "I am very sad for Susan because her husband was a lovely guy and a great supporter."

Kramer will take time out from public engagement over coming weeks.