North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson has paid tribute to his late wife Rose after a coroner ruled that she took her own life.

Rose Paterson died in June after being found in woodlands near the Ellesmere home she shared with Mr Paterson by police who had been called out following concerns for her safety.

While Mrs Paterson did not leave a note, Shropshire coroner John Ellery said that police confirmation of online research into suicide methods and the location of her death confirmed she intended to take her own life.

“I am satisfied that Rose Paterson did the act that led to her death and that she intended to do so,” said Mr Ellery.

“I do not need to investigate the reasons why she took her own life, and I record a verdict of suicide and that she died on or about June 24, 2020.”

In the hearing, held on Tuesday at Shirehall in Shrewsbury, Mr Ellery read out statements from Mr Paterson as well as from his two sons.

Mr Paterson said: “Among Rose’s main passions were horses, riding and races and she became chairman of Aintree in 2014.

“She was appointed to the Jockey Club board of stewards in 2019 and we spent lockdown at home before I returned to London for parliament.”

Border Counties Advertizer:

Owen and Rose Paterson

He continued: “She was supposed to be in London to celebrate my birthday and she bought tickets for France for the next week to see our daughter.

“She did not have depression but police have advised me she first searched suicide in May. She did not leave a note.”

In a statement issued after the inquest, North Shropshire MP Mr Paterson added: "The Coroner's verdict confirming that my wife Rose committed suicide by hanging is absolutely tragic for me, our family and all who knew her.

"We were married for 40 very happy years. Rose will be remembered as a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a most successful professional in her varied careers in the arts, charity and racing.

"We are still a long way from beginning to come to terms with her death."

Documentary evidence was also taken from her sons Felix and Edward, while a family friend, Louise Lane, who said she knew Mrs Paterson for about 30 years, told the court she had been acting ‘out of character’ before her death.

Ms Lane said: “She was a very nice happy go-lucky person, down to earth and we talked about everything and anything. She was just a lovely person.

“She was acting out character shortly before her death, and last time she I saw her on Monday evening, she hadn’t put her horses out to cool her down and also didn’t acknowledge me when I saw her.”

Anyone who may need support can call The Samaritans on their helpline number 116 123.