MP with Northern links dies at 73

MP for Feltham and Heston in west London since 1992, Mr Keen was known for his passion for football, having acted as a scout for Middlesbrough before entering politics.

Born in London, Mr Keen was brought up in the Grangetown and Redcar area near Middlesbrough, attending Sir William Turners Grammar School in Redcar.

He served in the British Army for three years before joining the fire protection industry.

He made up half of one of Parliament’s husband-and-wife teams, with wife Ann serving as Labour’s MP for Brentford and Isleworth from 1997 until her defeat in last year’s General Election and as a health minister from 2007-10.

Mr Keen was chairman of the all-party parliamentary groups on football and athletics and a member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee.

As a football scout, he tipped former Middlesbrough manager Jackie Charlton off about up-and-coming talent.

Mr Keen died last Thursday.