Gideon Amos told an emotional story of the death of a constituent "who was more of a friend."

The MP for Taunton and Wellington spoke during the second reading of the Renters' Rights Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.

The bill seeks to provide more security to millions of tenants, including a prohibition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions across all new and existing tenancies.

Leading the bill for the Liberal Democrats, Mr Amos said: "The bill is about bringing an end to the shameful delays of successive Conservative governments when it comes to protecting renters from unfair evictions.

"The change really can’t come soon enough."

He then recounted the story of a constituent, Mike Godleman, who had approached him after receiving a Section 21 eviction notice while recuperating from major surgery.

Mr Amos continued: "He had loved his home of over nine years.

"A couple of months ago, his councillor and I visited him to try to help him.

"We met a kind, gentle and creative man who taught sign language, loved dance and was a talented teacher and photographer.

"His charming sons Perez and Zakkai meant the absolute world to him, and he had become more of a friend to us than a constituent."

However, the tale took a tragic turn when Mr Godleman was found dead in his flat about 10 days ago, due to a pulmonary embolism.

Mr Amos remarked that while the cause of death was not linked to the eviction notice, it was a burden he should not have had to bear.

He added: "But we must not shrink from the objective of ending homelessness for good".

The MP pointed out that Somerset Council had more than 10,000 people on the council housing waiting list and was on the brink of bankruptcy due to cuts in proposed social care funding by the Conservative government.

Mr Amos noted: "In those circumstances, it is not surprising that Somerset and local authorities across the country are unable to enforce the standards of housing that we would want."

He highlighted evidence of "low and inconsistent levels of enforcement" in tackling substandard housing.

Mr Amos said "no amount of words" in the bill would make up for the need for funding so that local authorities can support decent homes in the rented sector.

The bill successfully passed its Second Reading with Liberal Democrat support and will now move to the committee stage.