BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw was in mourning today after his father died.

Mr Straw had flown back to the UK to be at his father's bedside rather than attending the Commonwealth Conference in Australia.

The Foreign Secretary had been due to play a key role in the gathering of former members of the British Empire which starts at the weekend.

But while in India he was told that his 84-year-old father Walter had suffered a massive heart attack and was close to death.

After rapid consultations with the Foreign Office and 10 Downing Street, it was agreed that Mr Straw should return to the UK to be with his father in a Sussex hospital.

Today his spokesman said: "Jack's father Walter died at around 6pm on Friday night. He had been ill for some time and last week suffered a massive heart attack.

"Obviously Jack is very distressed. He is with his family in Sussex and they are now working on the funeral arrangements.

"Jack was pleased that despite the Commonwealth Conference he was able to be at his father's bedside when he died.''

Mr Straw was in India after meeting Afghan leaders when he heard the news of his father's illness.