THE WIFE of a former Labour MP has died in France after falling ill.

Lynn Turner, 74, was swimming in the sea while on holiday in France with her husband Des.

She was a graphics designer and a staunch member of the Labour Party in Brighton.

Des Turner, a scientist, was a long-serving councillor before winning Brighton Kemptown from Tory MP Sir Andrew Bowden at the 1997 general election.

A hard working constituency MP, he retired in 2010.

Des and Lynn were married at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton with a reception at the racecourse. Although she did not work officially for her husband, she gave him long and loyal support.

A colleague said: “She was the kindest of people and no one had a bad word to say about her.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at 1.30 pm at St George’s church in Kemp Town.