THE speaker of the House of Commons has revealed he believes his type one diabetes was caused by the trauma of his daughter’s death at her Essex home.

Natalie Lewis-Hoyle died in December 2017 after she was found unconscious in her bedroom.

The 28-year-old was a councillor on Heybridge Parish Council and lived in the village with mother and fellow parish councillor Miriam Lewis.

She was described as a “great asset” to the council and her community.

READ MORE: Open verdict recorded following death of Heybridge councillor Natalie Lewis-Hoyle

Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects at her funeral in All Saints’ Church.

An inquest into her death recorded an open verdict, ruling there was not enough evidence she intended to die.

However, her parents believed a phone call she received in the hours before her death played a part.

The court heard Natalie had been in a toxic relationship for several years before her death.

Following the tragedy, Natalie’s mother set up Chat With Nat to help people trapped in abusive relationships.

READ MORE: 'Much adored' daughter of councillor and MP is found dead in unexplained circumstances

Her father, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, believes the trauma of his daughter’s death caused his type one diabetes.

Sir Lindsay was diagnosed at age 64 in November 2019, when he had just been elected as Speaker of the House.

He had suffered numerous health issues during his election campaign.

After being elected he paid a heartbreaking tribute to his late daughter, telling the Commons he wished she had been there.

He told the Daily Telegraph: “How did I become a type one diabetic? Nobody will ever know but I think it was the shock of my daughter.

“Up to then, I seemed perfect. After that – the shock of that has to have an effect somewhere.”

READ MORE: Hundreds turn out to pay respects at funeral for Natalie Lewis-Hoyle

Sir Lindsay has said the experience was raw and still difficult to face.

He has since spoken out about his daughter’s death and has campaigned for more mental health support within the parliamentary estate.

The Samaritans charity is available to help anyone who is going through difficult times.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit samaritans.org.